Former Gov. Gary Herbert is stepping into a leadership role at the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he’ll take charge of relationship-building during a period of rapid business expansion in Utah County.

“I am thrilled to assist the Utah Valley Chamber in its mission to influence business and community prosperity,” said Herbert, who spent more than 11 years as the state’s governor before exiting the post earlier this year. “Utah County holds the promise to be the epicenter of economic growth for the state for decades to come.”

Herbert will be paid for his part-time work as the chamber’s executive chair, according to a spokesperson. He began his new role Thursday.

Herbert has pointed to Utah’s economic development as a crowning achievement during his time as governor — which spanned a period of surging economic and population growth in the Beehive State. Before becoming the state’s top executive, the long-time real estate agent served 14 years as a Utah County commissioner.

“There is no individual more qualified in the state, or the nation for that matter, to help Utah County navigate the tremendous opportunities and unique challenges of explosive growth while keeping an eye on economic prosperity than Governor Herbert,” Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “We welcome him as a member of our executive leadership team.”