Last week, Blake Moore was selected to represent Utah’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The campaign between Darren Parry and Blake Moore stood out nationally in its civility, respect for one another and focus on issues. That tone is quintessential Blake Moore.
It has been my privilege to work closely with Blake for almost a decade. Utah is lucky to have someone of his caliber and with his integrity representing us at this much-needed time. In hopes of introducing Utah to its newest member of Congress, I’d like to highlight three characteristics of Blake Moore from which I believe all Utahns will benefit:
Genuine kindness. At a time of painful acrimony and divisiveness in society, it is Blake’s sincere interest in and care for others that we most need in D.C. He finds good in everyone. He is interested in the needs of others. He respects and finds insights from perspectives and experiences different than his own. He builds; he lifts with kindness.
One small illustration of Blake’s concern for others blessed our family many years ago. My son, Tyler, was enduring personal medical difficulties. Sensitive to the pain our son was encountering, Blake purchased a branded football from Tyler’s favorite college team. Consuming a full third of Blake’s single carry-on bag, Blake traveled with that football to an event in New York City to ask several Heisman trophy winners to sign it. Tyler’s surprise was only surpassed by his appreciation when Blake returned with that thoughtful gift to lift our son’s spirits. The signed football remains today on Tyler’s chest of drawers in the most coveted position. Blake genuinely cares about others.
Analytical problem-solver. Blake spent the beginning of his career patriotically serving our country in the defense and intelligence communities. Subsequently, he spent the second part of his career at Cicero Group working with nonprofits and public organizations to apply evidence-based practices to improve education, tackle recidivism and reduce intergenerational poverty. The inquisitive, detail-orientation he developed in foreign service, combined with a focus on applying data to inculcate processes of continuous improvement which he learned in management consulting, will uniquely equip Blake to advocate smart solutions for our country’s greatest challenges.
Fun-spirited. Most of Utah’s 1st Congressional District voters likely witnessed Blake’s deliberate, thoughtful side. But it is Blake’s self-deprecating wit and enthusiasm for fun that make others laugh and builds camaraderie. Last year, as an oral surgeon poked my gumlines, he laughingly regaled stories of successful campus-wide pranks Blake conceived and executed while the two of them were in college. At Cicero’s annual holiday party, Blake has consistently dressed up in an elf suit half his size in order to pass out presents to children giggling at his ridiculous appearance.
Blake doesn’t take himself too seriously. The result is that despite his intellect and drive, people find him uniquely approachable and down-to-earth. It is this fun-natured humility that will allow Blake to build unity at a time our country most needs it.
Blake is driven by a sincere desire to serve. Whether it is leading the annual fundraiser to aid foster children, an event he founded over 20 years ago, or whether it is analyzing data to understand what approach will best help people who are experiencing chronic homelessness, Blake does the right things for the right reasons.
I’m sad to no longer have the privilege of working daily alongside Blake at Cicero Group. But I couldn’t be more excited about the positive impact that Blake will surely have in our nation’s capital.
Randy Shumway is the founder of Cicero Group and has worked closely with Blake Moore for eight years.