Envision Utah has named Alan Matheson as the new executive director of the Coalition for Utah's Future. Matheson, an attorney and founding director of the nonprofit Utah Water Project, was chosen by the Coalition's Board of Trustees. He replaces Stephen Holbrook, who is stepping down Dec. 1 after 16 years. Board member Pamela Atkinson also announced Monday that Governor-elect Jon Huntsman Jr. has agreed to serve as Envision Utah's honorary co-chairman, joining Spence Eccles. Huntsman is a former chairman of Envision Utah. Atkinson said Monday that Matheson was chosen as executive director "because we believe he has established himself as a problem solver who is able to work constructively with varied interests." Matheson, she said, has experience in fund-raising, lobbying, public policy and the media. The Utah Water Project is an initiative of Trout Unlimited that seeks creative, market-based approaches to balance water development and fishery protection. Matheson is a member of the Sandy City planning commission and the Envision Utah steering committee. The new Envision Utah executive director is a sixth-generation Utahn, born in Logan. Matheson is married with three children. The Coalition for Utah's Future, the sponsor of Envision Utah - the state's growth planning partner - is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that receives 80 percent of its funds from private donations. - Joe Baird