Michael O. Leavitt, the 14th Governor of Utah, has led the state through an era of change and unparalleled prosperity. Elected in 1992, reelected in 1996 with the largest vote total in state history and the second governor in Utah history to be reelected to a third term, Leavitt has carried out a vision of improvement and innovation while positioning Utah for success in a new millennium.

Under Governor Leavitt, Utah has been named the "best managed state" in America, the "best place to locate a business" and host of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Governor Leavitt's leadership extends beyond the state's borders as well. He is past chairman of the National Governors' Association and a leading national voice on issues ranging from welfare reform and federal-state relations to e-commerce and balanced environmental management.

Born on February 11, 1951 in Cedar City, Utah, Leavitt graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics and business from Southern Utah University and married Jacalyn Smith. The governor and first lady are the parents of five children. After earning his degree, Leavitt joined the Leavitt Group, a regional insurance firm. He eventually became president and chief executive officer of the company, establishing it as one of the top insurance brokers in America. He also served as an outside director of two large public corporations and was a member of the Utah State Board of Regents, overseeing the state's nine colleges and universities.

Innovative technology deployment has been a trademark of the Leavitt administration which has brought computers to every school classroom, taken state government online and designed a "digital state" strategy that will deliver highspeed internet access statewide and guarantee Utah's place in a global economy. Leavitt's specific education initiatives include the state's first charter schools, stricter graduation requirements and measures to guarantee reading proficiency, improve the education environment and bring technology to every classroom.

The governor has received numerous awards and honors and has been called on regularly by the president and congressional leaders to resolve federal issues that directly affect the states.

Leavitt embodies the hopes, dreams and beliefs of Utah, a youthful, energetic state. Asked once by a reporter how he would like history to remember him and the Leavitt years, he replied:

"I'd like them to say Mike Leavitt was the governor that led us through a period of unparalleled growth and managed our obligation as a generation. That he helped us transition to the Information Age, and that our schools were better as a result. I'd like them to say that he oversaw a fundamental change in our philosophy regarding how to help people - that we began once again to help as opposed to maintain them. And, most of all, that during the time he served, there was never a question that he was looking after our best interest. "