Vanessa has been with HEAL Utah since 2003, and became the Executive Director in 2006. In this capacity, she oversees the development of HEAL’s campaign work, works with policy makers and regulators on nuclear waste issues and energy policy, and is the primary spokesperson for the organization. Vanessa also oversees the administrative functions of the organization and works with the development director to ensure the organization’s fiscal solvency. Currently, Vanessa spends much of her time shepherding the HEAL’s "eUtah" study -- an assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of generating 100% of Utah's electricity from renewable energy by mid-century. Prior to joining HEAL, Vanessa worked as a community organizer with the Toxics Action Center in Connecticut, helping local citizens plan and execute campaigns to fight toxic pollution in their backyards. Vanessa is a graduate of Green Corps, an environmental advocacy-training program, and is an alumna of Grinnell College in Iowa.
Vanessa is the staff contact for general media inquiries, or issues pertaining to nuclear weapons testing, fallout, and downwinder issues. She can be reached at vanessa@healutah.org or at (801) 364-5110.
Christopher Thomas, Policy Director
Christopher Thomas joined the HEAL Utah staff in September, 2006. As Policy Director, he works to promote policies that protect Utah from further nuclear abuse and encourage the development of a clean, reliable electricity grid for Utah. Christopher graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa with degrees in English and Biology and received the English department’s top honor, the Beulah Bennett-Loring Prize for Excellence in English. He is also a computer and information systems consultant.
Christopher is the staff contact for inquiries about EnergySolutions' Utah nuclear waste dump, nuclear power, chemical weapons, Utah legislation, regulatory matters, and whistleblowers. He can be reached at christopher@healutah.org or at (801) 355-5055.
Sophia Nicholas, Development Director
Sophia works to increase the organizational resources of HEAL Utah through cultivating alliances with foundations and individuals, writing grants, and planning events. Her job involves building funding networks and interest in HEAL’s efforts to protect the public health from nuclear and toxic waste, and she particularly enjoys helping create the base from which HEAL can implement its "eUtah" energy plan. Prior to joining HEAL Utah, Sophia graduated cum laude in Political Science from Wellesley College in 2006. She also spent a semester traveling around the world studying indigenous cultures and the environment; worked with the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club on several campaigns; and lived in Bristol, England where she was employed at the UK government’s Office for Standards in Education.
Sophia is the staff contact for foundations, business sponsorship inquiries, and events. You can reach her at sophia@healutah.org
Arthur Morris, State Organizer
Arthur’s job is to grow HEAL’s base by reaching out to new groups in new ways. An alumnus of BYU, with degrees in economics and Russian, his passion for organizing came from serving a Mormon mission in Ukraine. Last summer he channeled his enthusiasm for progressive change and grassroots activism into a position with the Obama Campaign as an Organizing Fellow in Spokane, Washington. Now, he is very excited to bring his experience to HEAL Utah, where he will seek to build support and cooperation in new areas across the state and the political spectrum.
Arthur is the contact for anyone interested in bringing HEAL's work to their communities. Email him with ideas, requests, suggestions at arthur@healutah.org or call him at (801) 355-5055.
Christopher Thomas joined the HEAL Utah staff in September, 2006. As Policy Director, he works to promote policies that protect Utah from further nuclear abuse and encourage the development of a clean, reliable electricity grid for Utah. Christopher graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa with degrees in English and Biology and received the English department’s top honor, the Beulah Bennett-Loring Prize for Excellence in English. He is also a computer and information systems consultant.
Sophia works to increase the organizational resources of HEAL Utah through cultivating alliances with foundations and individuals, writing grants, and planning events. Her job involves building funding networks and interest in HEAL’s efforts to protect the public health from nuclear and toxic waste, and she particularly enjoys helping create the base from which HEAL can implement its "eUtah" energy plan. Prior to joining HEAL Utah, Sophia graduated cum laude in Political Science from Wellesley College in 2006. She also spent a semester traveling around the world studying indigenous cultures and the environment; worked with the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club on several campaigns; and lived in Bristol, England where she was employed at the UK government’s Office for Standards in Education.
Arthur’s job is to grow HEAL’s base by reaching out to new groups in new ways. An alumnus of BYU, with degrees in economics and Russian, his passion for organizing came from serving a Mormon mission in Ukraine. Last summer he channeled his enthusiasm for progressive change and grassroots activism into a position with the Obama Campaign as an Organizing Fellow in Spokane, Washington. Now, he is very excited to bring his experience to HEAL Utah, where he will seek to build support and cooperation in new areas across the state and the political spectrum.
