Aaron (he/him) is a local resident of Green River with a background in operations and customer service specifically in retail and healthcare. In his free time, Aaron enjoys gardening, reading, playing video games, and spending time with his partner and three cats. In his role at Epicenter, Aaron will oversee day-to-day internal operation, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with Epicenter’s mission.
Maria Sykes: Hi Aaron! First off, welcome to the Epicenter team! I’m excited to have you as our new Operations Director, a new/revived position at Epicenter. Tell the readers a little bit about yourself. Where are you coming from? Where were you born and raised?
Aaron Mitchell: I was born and raised in Salt Lake where I eventually met my partner Tadd Mecham while he was attending the University of Utah.
MS: What did you notice about Green River the first time you visited, before moving here?
AM: The first time I visited Green River I felt a nervousness because I am used to all amenities and services being nearby and readily accessible. Driving miles and miles across beautiful open desert gave me a haunting feeling, but was also drawn in by the dramatic geography of the bookcliffs. I immediately knew this place was special, though I never thought I’d live here!
MS: Now that you’ve been here a few years and you’re officially a homeowner, what do you think about Green River, the place and the community?
AM: I couldn’t be more excited about owning a home here in this community. Like all the best things in life this town was an acquired taste and now I can’t live without it like I can’t go without coffee. We have a lot of work cut out for us with our house but it is totally worth it!
MS: In a town where everyone knows everyone, how do you hope to build community with your neighbors?
AM: I want to help find ways to get families and individuals in Green River into safe housing. I also want to see enriching activities grow in this town such as parks, art, and recreation while also preserving the local museum and businesses we have.
MS: Is there a specific spot in the surrounding desert or along the river that feels like home to you?
AM: I love exploring any direction but love having a picnic at Swasey’s Beach.
MS: What appealed to you about working at Epicenter?
AM: I like that Epicenter has such a strong focus on community and the work is centered around helping fellow residents in town. I appreciate the work Epicenter has done such as Pearl Baker Park and Canal Commons.
MS: How do you spend your free time? What are some of your interests or hobbies?
AM: Learning about working on my house, getting better at gardening— I hope to plant mostly native and wild flowers in my yard. I enjoy reading and playing video games sometimes. I’ve also recently started getting back into hiking, so let me know your recommendations!
MS: What book, podcast, tv show, or artist is currently fueling your creative tank?
AM: I’m currently reading The Willows which is a short book about two taking a river trip on the Danube. It reminds me a lot of Green River with the remote setting of the story.
MS: And we’ll end on one of my favorite questions: If you could have one superpower, what would it be? And no cheating (power mimicry)!
AM: Telekinesis like Matilda.