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the Department that have not only saved taxpayers over $30 million, but also re-focused and re-energized employment programs statewide by tying together Utah's workforce, education and economic development constituencies. A former Presidential appointee, Kristen Cox is a nationally recognized expert on workforce and re-employment strategies and a key advisor to the National Governor's Association (NGA), the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, and the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means. Her congressional testimony in 2011 resulted in legislation calling for sweeping reforms to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and she authored the NGA's 2012 position paper on WIA. Since 2007, Utah, DWS, and Kristen have received numerous awards, including the 2011 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Triple Crown, which is three Awards of Excellence for unemployment benefit payments, appeal decisions and tax operations. This award is significant as Utah is the first state in the UI program's 76 year history to receive all three awards. Kristen is blind, but being blind has never held Kristen back in her professional career or prevented her from living a full life. Despite the demands of running one of the largest agencies in the State of Utah, she is an active participant in her community and church. On Sundays and throughout the week she spends time teaching and working with her congregation's youth. Kristen is passionate about fitness and can often be found walking her dog or jogging outside. She cherishes being a wife and mother and participating as an active and involved parent in her children's lives. Pioneers of Progress: The Days of '47 recognizes modern-day pioneering accomplishments of men and women who have notably uplifted and benefited humanity, and the organization encourages and teaches pioneering principles.