Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Thursday announced a group of eight leading business executives, educators and researchers nominated to serve on the board of the fledgling Utah Science, Technology and Research Economic Development Initiative. The panel, created by the Legislature earlier this year, will be charged with facilitating commercialization of technology developed at the University of Utah and Utah State University. Nominees, to take office on July 1, await confirmation by the state Senate. "USTAR represents the future of Utah's economy and our long-term commitment to capturing our unique competitive advantages as a state," Huntsman said. "This board truly represents the finest professionals available to implement this important initiative." Nominated by the governor were Scott Anderson, CEO of Zions Bank; Hunter Jackson, former CEO of NPS Pharmaceuticals; and Cathy Petti, medical director of ARUP's Infectious Disease Laboratory. Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, added Dan Olsen, as Brigham Young University computer sciences professor, and Dinesh Patel, founding general partner of vSpring Capital. House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, nominated Charlie Precourt, vice president for advanced strategic programs at ATK Launch Systems, and Jack Sunderlage, ContentWatch's president and CEO. Utah Higher Education Commissioner Richard Kendell nominated Jim Dreyfous, co-founder and general partner of the UV Partners investment firm. The eight, if confirmed, will join state Treasurer Ed Alter - appointed to the board by the enabling legislation - on the nine-member panel. - Bob Mims