One of my proudest awards as an Orem City Councilwoman was being named Utah’s “Best of State Elected Official” in 2024.
I’m deeply honored by the award—but not for the reasons you might think.

When I was first elected, I made a commitment to be the most diligent and hardworking member of the Orem City Council. Although the position is technically part-time, I was fortunate enough to dedicate my full time and energy to serving our city. I didn’t just want to attend meetings and ribbon-cutting events; I wanted to make a genuine difference for Orem families.

So I got to work. I learned how the City operates from the inside out, and I made it a priority to get to know the people who make Orem run—our employees in Public Works, Parks, Library, Police, Fire, and every department in between. I attended their events, learned about their challenges, and saw their dedication firsthand.

That effort has paid off in ways that matter most: when residents call me with a concern, I know who to contact and how to help solve their problem. My relationships across departments have made me a strong advocate for Orem citizens, and I take pride in quietly getting things done behind the scenes.

When I learned in May 2024 that I had been selected as Best of State Elected Official, I was genuinely surprised—I didn’t even know I’d been nominated. Later, I discovered that some members of the Orem City staff had nominated me after seeing my work and commitment firsthand.

That’s what makes this honor so meaningful to me. It isn’t about recognition or ego—it is about earning the respect of those who work every day to make our city great. Their nomination means more to me than any award could, and it reminds me why I serve: to work hard, support our staff, and make Orem a place we’re all proud to call home.

Here is the actual contents of the Best of State nomination that was submitted for me by the Orem City staff

(the names of City Staff members were removed to preserve anonymity)

LaNae Millett - Nomination form

Background

LaNae Millett is a Councilwoman for the City of Orem City Council. She currently has the following boards and committee assignments: Utah Lake Commission, Arts Council, UCCU Board Member, Orem Neighborhood Commission.

Achievement

The highlight of LaNae's remarkable contributions to the City of Orem is her dedication to Orem citizens. Her strong work ethic and tireless efforts to get to the root of problems are admired by her colleagues. An Orem City Staff member observed, “There are days and nights when LaNae will spend endless time and effort trying to solve problems for Orem residents, not because she has to but because she wants to.”

An Orem Executive Staff member appreciates Councilwoman Millett’s tenacity and dedication to city operations. “LaNae cares deeply about the community she serves and always works to find solutions to difficult problems facing the City. She exemplifies a strong political female leader. We are a better City and organization because of her service.”

An Orem Executive Staff member has been very impressed with Councilwoman Millett’s work, stating, “LaNae is someone you can always count on to follow through on difficult tasks regardless of the obstacles in front of her. I believe that…we should try our best to do the right thing for the right reason. LaNae epitomizes that. Orem is lucky to have someone of her caliber representing them.”

The time and effort LaNae expends on citizen engagement and researching issues in the community truly sets LaNae apart as a dedicated public servant.

Innovation

LaNae’s unique approach to solving problems is noticed by her peers and respected highly.

An Orem City Executive Staff member remarked…”one of LaNae’s most commendable attributes is her willingness and desire to study important issues, ask tough questions, and learn from and serve her fellow citizens. LaNae takes the time to understand their perspectives and ensures that their voices are heard and considered throughout the decision-making process. Oftentimes, she will research complex issues on her own and then seek input from experts in order to make the best recommendations and decisions on behalf of Orem citizens, even when it may not be the most popular.”

An Orem City Staff member praises Councilwoman Millett, stating, “She is the kind of person who wants to dig down, ask questions, and hear from opposing sides in order to really understand an issue before she makes a decision. Ms. Millett is a problem solver and is willing to work with the Orem staff to make sure we are efficient and constructive in our workload. Her engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and opinions is a testament to her service. LaNae’s talent for fostering productive discussions and diffusing conflicts contributes to a positive work environment in our city.”

Quality

LaNae possesses a real talent for showing gratitude and appreciation. She consistently demonstrates her thankfulness and acknowledges the contributions of her colleagues, community members, and staff. LaNae’s thoughtful and grateful approach creates a culture of appreciation that motivates others and strengthens relationships, contributing to the overall success of our City Council. She works especially hard to make sure Orem residents are heard and represented by their local government. She does all she can to understand different perspectives and then brings the voice of Orem’s residents to the governing body of their city.

In summary, LaNae Millett exemplifies the qualities of this award. Her energetic, civil, passionate, and hardworking nature, combined with her ability to approach tasks with gratitude and diplomacy, make her an outstanding candidate.