SUU's Tanner Vario Named 2025 Institute Director of the Year by International Institute of Municipal Clerks
Published: July 01, 2025 | Author: Jacob Carr | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, UT – Southern Utah University (SUU) is proud to announce that Tanner Vario, assistant director of Operations and Events and institute director for the Utah Municipal Clerks Association Institute and Academy, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Institute Director of the Year by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Vario received this distinguished honor at the IIMC Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO, on May 19, 2025.
The IIMC, a global nonprofit organization representing over 15,000 members worldwide, recognizes one Institute Director annually for their exceptional contributions to promoting quality education for Municipal Clerks. This award acknowledges individuals who have significantly advanced the educational needs of Municipal Clerks, supported the profession's growth, and upheld IIMC’s educational objectives. Vario was specifically honored for his outstanding work in advancing the education and personal development of Municipal Clerks and his contributions to IIMC.
“Tanner's work not only elevates learning for the municipal clerk profession across Utah and beyond, but also exemplifies how leadership rooted in service and collaboration can create lasting impact in our communities,” said Melinda Pfundstein, the executive director of community and workforce development at SUU. “His recognition as Institute Director of the Year is a powerful reflection of SUU’s deep commitment to civic engagement and professional excellence.”
In his pivotal role as institute director, Vario oversees the Utah Municipal Clerks Association Institute and Academy's annual conference, where he also teaches courses and administers Athenian Dialogues. His commitment to leadership development extends beyond this role; he serves as the co-director of the Utah Rural Leadership Academy, a vital program designed to equip county leaders across the state with essential administration and leadership skills. Currently, Vario is also engaged in a significant collaboration with the National Judicial College, developing specialized training for judges on complex water rights laws in Utah.
Prior to his current role, Vario served as the special projects coordinator for the Southern Utah Museum of Art. During his tenure, he notably created the Day of the Dead festival, an inaugural event far exceeding attendance expectations.
Vario's strong educational foundation was laid at Southern Utah University, where he earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 2021 and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2020.
Southern Utah University congratulates Tanner Vario on this outstanding achievement, recognizing his dedication to professional development and his impactful contributions to municipal governance at both state and international levels.
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu