Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award: Lisa Ewell

Lisa Ewell is the owner and operator of the Wendy’s restaurant in Vernal, Utah, a role she has held since the location first opened its doors in 1992. Originally from a small town in Wyoming, Lisa moved to Vernal in her early twenties with friends, an adventure that turned into a lifelong commitment to the community she now calls home. She is married to her husband, Jed. They have 4 married children, Dustin (Jessica) Adams, Kayla (Brandon) Wood’s, Kristen (Devin) Mahrt, & Zack (Destiny) Ewell. They’re also blessed with 6.75 grandchildren of whom they love fiercely and enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow in their hobbies/passions. Over the past four decades, Lisa has become a familiar and well-loved presence in Vernal. She is known for her strong work ethic, steady leadership, and the kind of relationships that make it clear she’s never really met a stranger. She can talk to anyone and everyone, and she will. (Just ask her kids about their trips with her to the store, or running into people she knows while vacationing on the other side of the country) Her approach to business goes far beyond day-to- day operations; she believes in showing people they matter, both in and out of the workplace. Lisa is especially passionate about community involvement and local outreach. One of her most meaningful current partnerships is with the Vernal Oilers hockey team. Through sponsorship, employment opportunities, meals, and even opening her home during holidays, Lisa supports the team in ways that reflect her personal commitment to their success and well-being. For her, sponsorship is never just financial. it’s a way to invest in people. Lisa has been an active supporter of the Special Olympics, the Torch Run, and Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley She enjoys living in a community with people who enjoy encouraging others to succeed. In addition to her business and community involvement, Lisa has spent many years serving in youth-focused church and community programs, including teaching Sunday school, supporting young women’s sports, and working with children in Primary. She has a natural gift for connecting with young people and a well-developed talent for making sure everyone knows they are loved, thought of, and occasionally gently teased. Lisa’s life and work are defined by service, relationships, and a consistent effort to uplift those around her. Whether she’s running a busy restaurant, supporting local teams, or checking in on someone just because she thought of them, she continues to be a steady and meaningful presence in the Vernal community.










