Stephen Tanner Irish

Venues Committee Chair
Academic Researcher
Board of Directors, O.C. Tanner Company
Trustee, Tanner Lectures on Human Values
USUO Board member since September 2018

Stephen Tanner Irish is a 6th generation Utahn. He has worked at the O.C. Tanner company, a family-owned business founded by his grandfather Obert C. Tanner. He now teaches in the philosophy department at the University of Utah and continues his research and writing in the history of science. Continuing the philanthropic legacy of the company is an important priority for him. Stephen has a deep appreciation for the importance of a strong workplace culture in the success of organizations. Stephen’s insightful mind has led him to earn a degree in philosophy from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from Cambridge.

For many years Stephen has served on the Board of Directors of the O.C. Tanner Company and is currently Chairman. He has also served for 20+ years as a trustee of the Tanner Lectures on Human Values. He cannot sing or play an instrument but has enjoyed ballroom and Latin dance. Most mornings this accomplished leader, scholar and athlete can be found at CrossFit. He joined the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Board of Trustees in September 2018, he was appointed chair of the Venues Committee in September 2024, and additionally serves on the Executive Committee.