About Kevin

KEVIN SMITH is CEO and Executive Producer of Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and has been with Tuacahn for 25 years. Tuacahn is one of the largest non-profit arts and educational organizations in Utah, operating on an annual budget of over $20 million. Smith has produced or co-produced more than 60 professional Broadway musical productions, and has presented more than 500 major professional concerts and events. Kevin has a BS in Sociology with a minor in Business Management from Brigham Young University and a Master of Education Degree from Southern Utah University. He has worked as a real estate agent, teacher and in marketing and PR. Smith has served in various ecclesiastical responsibilities, including as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in the Washington DC South mission and in local leadership in Ivins. Kevin was a Grand Marshall in the 2019 Ivins Heritage Day Parade and has served on the Ivins Economic Development Committee. In 2021 Smith was recognized as a community leader by the Utah National Guard and received the Bronze Minuteman Award for extraordinary support and leadership to the citizens of Utah. Smith currently serves on the Utah State Board of Tourism Development, the Greater Zion Tourism Advisory Board, and on the Zions Bank Regional Advisory Board. He is a gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Huntsman World Senior Games (basketball) and enjoys sports and the outdoors. Kevin lost his first wife, Rebecca, to cancer in 2021. They were married for 30 years and have 4 children, 2 daughter-in-laws and 2 precious grandchildren. Smith recently married Liz Erickson who has 6 children, 2 son-in-laws and 3 grandchildren. Kevin and Liz now have a combined family of 21.

Kevin Smith for Ivins City Council

Why I'm Running

I have lived in Ivins for over 28 years and built three homes here. My children grew up in Ivins and attended Red Mountain Elementary and Vista Charter School. My late wife Rebecca worked at VIsta Charter School as the Librarian for many years until she passed away in 2021. My son, Todd, works as a physical therapist, serving patients at the Ivins Veterans Home. I have worked at Tuacahn here in Ivins for over 25 years. We love Ivins! I love the people here and want to do my part to continue to make Ivins a wonderful place to live.

I believe in limited government that protects freedom based on Constitutional principles. City government can promote responsible growth, good citizenship and quality neighborhoods. Those of us who are lucky enough to live in Ivins are the beneficiaries of that growth. We do a disservice to future generations if we advance any notion that “we're here now and should make it difficult for anyone else to come here.” We can have responsible growth that protects the beauty of our surroundings and continues to enhance the quality of life we enjoy. We can also promote diversity so that there are places for families, retirees, and people of various socioeconomic backgrounds.

As CEO of Tuacahn, I have been fortunate to be involved in circles of influence. I have developed relationships with State, County, City and business leaders and hope to appropriately leverage those relationships to continue to benefit Ivins.

If elected, I’ll do my best to represent the people of Ivins. I value the opinions of city staff and volunteers and will listen to their suggestions and feedback. I believe in civil discourse and will strive to have love for everyone, including those I may disagree with. As we work together, we can resolve differences with mutual respect and dignified dialogue. We can keep making Ivins better together!

Kevin received the Bronze Minuteman award from Maj. Gen. Michael Turley (left), adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Brian Tarbet (right), commander Honorary Colonels Corps, Aug. 12, 2021, at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bronze Minuteman Award recognizes community leaders for their extraordinary support and leadership to the citizens of Utah. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge)