Utah’s conservative public-policy think tank, the Sutherland Institute, has named Vice President Rick Larsen as its new president. Larsen will replace Boyd Matheson, who announced his departure last week.

“Rick … is a trusted executive who knows how to inspire and lead people, organizations and communities from dreaming dreams to designing a better world and delivering extraordinary results,” Matheson said in a news release.

Larsen has a history of working in the community. Before becoming vice president at Sutherland, he was the chief development officer for United Way of Salt Lake. He also has experience working in the entertainment industry and consulting on philanthropy.

Larsen also served as president of Operation Kids Foundation, which provides funding for organizations focused on helping children in need.

Stan Swim, chairman of Sutherland’s board of trustees, said Larsen’s experience in the nonprofit and private sectors will contribute to the organization’s vision.

Larsen said that to enact social change, generously donating money is simply not enough.

“Real change only occurs when local communities engage, government takes its proper role and citizens demand sound public policy. With this philosophy at the forefront of my mind, I humbly look forward to filling my new role at Sutherland,” he said.