LYNNE N. WARD

Director Since: August 2019

Committees: Audit (Chair); Governance and Sustainability; Finance

Other Public Boards: None

Education: B.S. Accounting, University of Utah
Certified Public Accountant

Career Highlights
– Executive Director, my529 (formerly known as the Utah Educational Savings Plan), offering municipal fund securities, 2004 to 2019. Underlying investments were with Vanguard, Dimensional, PIMCO, Sallie Mae Bank and U.S. Bank.
– Member of the University of Utah’s Investment Advisory Committee, 2018 to present
– Member of the Board of Directors of the Blue Healthcare Bank, 2007 to 2009
– Member of the Board of Directors of Stampin’ Up!, 2010 to 2016
– Utah Chapter NACD Board of Directors, 2017 to present
– Walker Institute at Weber State University board of directors, 2012 to present
– Senior leader and advisor to Utah governors Olene S. Walker and Michael O. Leavitt
– Senior leader for Utah state government’s central accounting office and State Auditor’s Office

Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Merit
Ms. Ward demonstrated her diverse skills by creating and leading my529’s rapid growth of $950 million to $14 billion assets under management. The Board believes her high standards, strategic foresight and business development fueled the growth. Her cost management, and investment and marketing innovations of a highly regulated product led to year-over-year Gold ratings from Morningstar. The Board believes Ms. Ward has strong career experiences, including financial oversight capabilities and leadership of a rapidly growing organization. The Board believes her contributions will strengthen the Company’s strategic direction while encouraging operational excellence.