Our Board
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Board President/Vice President
Raymond Hammon
Raymond was born and raised in the Short Creek area and continues to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. An avid hiker, he finds inspiration in the trails and landscapes that define southern Utah and northern Arizona. Raymond is part owner and operator of Edge of the World Brewery, a locally based business in Colorado City, Arizona. His passion for community, craftsmanship, and the outdoors reflects his commitment to supporting local growth and creating spaces that bring people together.
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Lawrence Stubbs
Lawrence was born and raised in Hildale, Utah, where he continues to live with his wife and three sons. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys mountain biking, running, and exploring southern Utah’s backcountry on ATV adventures with family and friends. Lawrence holds a private pilot’s license and often flies for both work and recreation. He earned an associate degree from Dixie State University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Utah. Currently, Lawrence works as a Project Manager in the land planning and civil engineering field, overseeing large-scale land development and heavy civil projects. His passion for nature, community, and thoughtful development aligns deeply with the mission of preserving and enhancing the Short Creek area.
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Bygnal Dutson
Bygnal was born and raised in southern Utah and brings a deep passion for nature, adventure, creativity, and people to everything he does. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Open Sky Zion, a self-sustaining, off-grid resort set on eighty acres of untouched wilderness at the edge of Zion National Park. The resort features thirteen luxury tent-style accommodations and Black Sage, an on-site fine dining restaurant offering contemporary southwestern cuisine. Recognized in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and 5280 Magazine, Open Sky has also received the Best of the Best Award from the IIDA. Through his work, Bygnal blends sustainable tourism with a deep commitment to community and business development across the region.
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Leonard Black
Leonard was born and raised in the Short Creek area and remains deeply committed to building and strengthening the community he loves. A lifelong resident, he has played a key role in launching several local businesses and currently owns InkBoxz, a sign and graphic design company. With additional expertise in IT services, Leonard combines creativity and technical skill to support local initiatives and business growth. He also serves on multiple community boards, contributing his vision and dedication to the ongoing development of the Short Creek region.
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Laura Timpson
Laura was born and raised in the Short Creek area and is a passionate advocate for youth engagement and outdoor recreation. With more than 32 years as a small business owner, she thrives on building relationships and contributing to the strength of her community. Laura’s dedication to service includes ten years with the PTSA and seven years organizing the local HOOPS program. She currently serves on multiple nonprofit boards, supporting initiatives that sustain nature, promote tourism, and encourage entrepreneurship. As a mother of twelve grown children, Laura brings deep commitment, energy, and compassion to everything she does—especially in creating opportunities for youth and nurturing a vibrant community.
Our Staff
Miriam Jessop, CEO
Miriam was born and raised in the Short Creek area and continues to call it home. A lifelong resident, she has raised a large family and remains deeply invested in the community’s success and the preservation of its shared spaces. Before becoming a small business owner, Miriam worked in education and mortgage servicing, gaining valuable experience in organization, communication, and community engagement. Since 2015, she has been an active event planner, organizer, and community advocate, and she currently serves on several local boards dedicated to improving quality of life in the region.
