Aiden Langston was a bright, kind-hearted young man from Utah who lived with spirit, served with intention, and loved without reserve. On May 30, 2024—just hours before receiving his high school diploma—Aiden tragically lost his life in a car accident.

He was only 17. But in that short time, Aiden built a life filled with joy, loyalty, dreams, and genuine impact. His memory now lives on in the hearts of family, friends, and a community that deeply mourns his absence while celebrating the legacy he left behind.

Born to Shine: Aiden’s Early Years in Utah

Spencer Aiden Langston was born on July 11, 2006, in Murray, Utah. He grew up in Herriman, where he was part of a loving and blended family that shaped his strong values and big heart.

As a child, Aiden was endlessly curious and creative. He spent hours building intricate Lego sets, sketching imaginative drawings, and reading everything he could about dinosaurs, machines, and the world beyond.

He was the kind of kid who lit up a room with his laughter and filled it with questions. Whether it was inventing games with his sister or trying to convince his dad to allow a cat in the house (unsuccessfully, but persistently), Aiden approached life with charm, humor, and a disarming honesty.

The Heart of a Friend, the Hands of a Builder

Aiden was driven by connection—and passion. While his friends describe him as someone who would “always say hi in the hallways,” those closest to him knew the depth of his loyalty.

He was a fierce protector of his older sister, a dependable helper to his parents, and an unshakable friend to anyone lucky enough to earn his trust. Loyalty wasn’t a quality Aiden had to work on—it came naturally.

That same loyalty extended to his passions.

Most notably, Aiden loved cars. Not just driving them—building, fixing, and reimagining them. He worked at Jiffy Lube, where he picked up hands-on mechanical skills and quickly became a go-to for friends needing car advice. From tuning engines to customizing parts for speed, power, and (loud) personality, he poured himself into every detail.

He bought, traded, and modified multiple cars before age 18—including one car for everyday drives and another “just for snowboarding trips.” Practical and passionate: that was Aiden.

The Athlete with Drive—and No Fear

Aiden’s love for movement extended beyond engines.

He was a gifted athlete who played soccer, flag football, and eventually discovered his deep love for rugby. Despite his smaller frame, he took on opponents twice his size without hesitation. Tackling was never a problem—backing down wasn’t in his nature.

His tenacity on the field mirrored his resilience in life. Every bruise, bump, and ache during rugby season became a point of pride. He played hard, and he cared harder.

Family, Laughter, and Ghost Peppers

While Aiden was bold in the world, he was deeply tender at home. He had a unique and meaningful bond with his mother, often opening up to her about friends, love, challenges, and goals. Their bond was based on trust and many talks.

With his siblings and dad, he was the spark that got games going, the loudest voice in the room, and the brave soul who always said “yes” to a dare. Whether it was a snow sprint, a horror movie marathon, or eating an entire ghost pepper (a decision he quickly regretted), Aiden lived to make memories—and to make others laugh.

Family game nights, long hot tub talks, and backyard adventures were his comfort zone. He wasn’t just fun; he was full of heart.

Answering the Call: Aiden’s Military Dream

Aiden had always admired the military. As he grew older, that admiration transformed into action.

As soon as he turned 17, he joined the United States Navy. He was scheduled to begin basic training on June 25, 2024—just weeks after his high school graduation.

His dream? To become an underwater welder. The job was dangerous and demanding, but it excited him. It combined his love for mechanics with his thirst for challenge and service.

Mentored by Petty Officer Kizer, Aiden was already being shaped into a sailor of grit, heart, and potential. His commitment wasn’t just to the Navy—it was to growth, discipline, and doing something meaningful with his life.

May 30, 2024: A Sudden Goodbye

On what should have been one of the happiest days of his life, disaster happened.

In the early morning of May 30, Aiden was in a deadly car crash. He was only hours away from walking across the stage at Herriman High School to receive his diploma.

The loss stunned the community. Graduation day became a day of mourning. Friends, classmates, teachers, and even strangers struggled to process a life cut so short—yet lived so fully.

Honoring a Life That Touched Many

In the days that followed, love poured in.

Many people came together for Aiden’s funeral on June 8, 2024, in Herriman. The chapel was full of stories—about his laughter, his loyalty, his jokes, and his kindness. The service was streamed online so those across the country could be part of the remembrance.

A GoFundMe campaign was started to help his family. Social media filled with photos, tributes, and memories. Herriman High students wore ribbons and shared personal stories. His rugby team played in his honor. Some community members, touched by his story though they had never met him, posted heartfelt messages about how Aiden’s spirit reached them through words alone.

A Legacy That Won’t Fade

Aiden Langston’s life, though short, was very significant.

He taught those around him to be real.

To laugh often, to show up. To chase what lights you up, to be fully yourself, even if that self is loud, goofy, and determined to test a ghost pepper.

He leaves behind his parents—Gary and Kristen—his beloved sister Sydney, his step-siblings, grandparents, and a wide web of friends and mentors who will never forget him.

Why His Story Matters

Aiden’s story is more than a tragedy. It’s a reflection of what matters most: relationships, resilience, and purpose.

He reminds us that every day counts. That even at 17, you can change lives. That kindness is never wasted. That dreams are worth chasing, and people are worth loving—with everything you have.

His story has sparked conversations about youth, road safety, community support, and how we honor the legacies of those we lose too soon.

Final Thoughts: Live Like Aiden

The name Aiden Langston Utah is now etched not only on headstones and memorials—but in the hearts of those who knew him and even those who didn’t.

It carries a message: Live boldly. Love deeply. Stay true.

Whether you’re a friend, a neighbor, or someone who came across his story online, Aiden reminds us that being present, being kind, and being fearless in who you are can leave a mark that never fades.

Let’s live for Aiden. Let’s remember him not just in grief—but in how we live.

Shannon Reardon Swanick is a civic leader and data ethics advocate who helps communities design fairer systems for education, housing, and local governance. She is best known for combining empathy, technology, and trust to create people-first public solutions that include every voice.

She is widely respected for her calm leadership style, tech-for-good approach, and unwavering belief that every voice matters.

Quick Facts Box

Early Life & Roots in Service

Born in 1981 in Burlington, Vermont, Shannon grew up in a home where service wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected.

Her father, a public school principal, emphasized discipline with compassion. Her mother, a nurse and environmental advocate, taught her to care for both people and the planet.

Shannon cared about her community from a young age. From literacy tutoring to weekend park clean-ups, she found meaning in small acts of service that connected people to one another.

Education: A Crossroads of Data and Humanity

Shannon attended Smith College, where she majored in urban sociology with a minor in computer science. It was there she began exploring how digital tools could amplify resident voices in policymaking.

Her thesis project focused on public feedback loops in urban zoning decisions—a theme she would revisit often in her future work.

She went on to complete a master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Development at Columbia University, deepening her focus on data ethics, civic trust, and inclusive design.

Building Systems That Listen

Launching the Community Data Initiative (CDI)

In 2015, Shannon founded the Community Data Initiative (CDI)—a nonprofit that helps communities collect and use local data with care, transparency, and purpose.

Rather than extract information from communities, CDI empowers them to co-create solutions. From participatory budgeting tools to school equity dashboards, CDI offers technical guidance, policy design, and training programs tailored for smaller towns and underrepresented voices.

PlanTogether: A Civic Feedback Platform

One of Shannon’s signature projects is PlanTogether, a civic technology platform that allows community members to weigh in on zoning, transit, and infrastructure planning in real time.

The platform integrates qualitative stories with quantitative data—allowing cities to balance hard metrics with human experiences.

Since its launch, PlanTogether has been adopted by over 20 municipalities and has led to more inclusive urban plans and stronger resident engagement.

Programs That Uplift & Empower

Mentorship Circles

In response to rising dropout rates in underfunded schools, Shannon developed Mentorship Circles—small-group peer and professional mentoring programs for high school students.

Participants showed a 25% increase in academic engagement, and over 70% of seniors in the first pilot group pursued college or vocational training.

Digital Equity Labs

During the pandemic, Shannon noticed a growing digital divide, especially among low-income families and seniors.

In 2020, she launched Digital Equity Labs, a mobile-based initiative that delivers free Wi-Fi devices, tech training, and digital literacy classes to underserved neighborhoods.

Within 18 months, the program reached more than 800 households, restoring online access for work, education, and telehealth.

Civic Engagement Academy

To help young people understand how policies are made, Shannon built the Civic Engagement Academy, a youth-focused leadership pipeline.

The program teaches local teens how city budgets work, how to give public comment, and how to design policies that reflect community needs.

Graduates have gone on to become community board members, nonprofit organizers, and public service fellows.

A Philosophy Built on Three Pillars

1. Deep Listening

Shannon starts every initiative with “community listening labs”—small-group conversations where people speak freely about their concerns, dreams, and lived realities.

She believes that designing without listening leads to systems that exclude the very people they intend to serve.

2. Data With Dignity

Where traditional models emphasize surveillance or efficiency, Shannon’s work emphasizes trust, context, and care.

She advocates for privacy-first data collection, clear communication of goals, and consent-based participation—especially in communities with historic mistrust of institutions.

3. Incremental Change With Lasting Impact

Shannon’s approach to impact is rooted in steady, people-driven progress. Instead of quick-fix programs, she invests in systems change that grows over time—with local leadership at the helm.

As she often says:

“Trust doesn’t come from tech—it comes from showing up again and again, especially when things get hard.”

Recognition & Influence

Shannon’s work has earned national attention, but she remains grounded in her community-first values. Her recognitions include:

• Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business”
• James Boggs Civic Innovation Award
• Guest lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Civic Data Labs
• Featured in Civic Tech Weekly, Next City, and Public Sector Digest

Her programs are now used as models by both rural and urban municipalities seeking to rebuild trust in public systems.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Neighborhood Signals

Shannon is currently piloting Neighborhood Signals, a community-owned sensor and storytelling initiative.

This project installs low-cost environmental sensors in public spaces—but with a twist: community members co-interpret the data and record lived experiences to bring numbers to life.

The goal? Combine data with human stories to advocate for better air quality, safer walkways, and responsive urban services—without sacrificing privacy.

National Civic Equity Network

Shannon is also assembling a national working group of civic leaders, technologists, and youth mentors under the Civic Equity Network, aiming to share tools, strategies, and ethical standards for future-forward governance.

Why Shannon Reardon Swanick Matters

In an era where public trust in institutions is declining, Shannon offers a new blueprint—one based not on authority, but on collaboration.

She reminds us that:

• Technology should work for people—not control them.
• Communities already know what they need
• True leadership begins by listening, not leading

Her quiet strength, paired with her visionary thinking, is helping redefine what meaningful civic change looks like in the 21st century.

Final Thoughts

Shannon Reardon Swanick’s work proves that lasting impact doesn’t require noise—it requires care, clarity, and commitment. By centering data around dignity and public systems around people, she is helping communities across the U.S. build stronger futures. Shannon Reardon Swanick leadership reminds us that real progress is measured not in speed, but in shared trust and long-term inclusion.

Jeff Pinciak is a senior finance and operations leader with a track record of guiding high-growth companies through transformation. As SVP at Covercraft Industries, he oversees strategic finance, operations, and modernization efforts.

With 15+ years of experience, Jeff has raised over $190M, led acquisitions, and built scalable financial systems. He blends data-driven strategy with people-first leadership to drive lasting business impact.

Early Foundations: Driven by Curiosity

Raised in a close-knit American town, Jeff Pinciak grew up asking big questions and solving practical problems. He was drawn early to numbers, systems, and how things worked—an instinct that laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in finance and strategy.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, one of the nation’s top-ranked international business schools. There, he not only gained technical fluency in finance, but also developed a global mindset that would define his cross-sector career.

Early Career: Public Finance to Investment Banking

Jeff launched his professional journey at Public Financial Management (PFM) as a Senior Analyst, advising municipalities and government agencies on financial planning and debt strategy.

He then transitioned to the private sector, joining Barclays Investment Bank as an Analyst, where he worked on infrastructure and transportation financing, followed by a role at Wells Fargo as an Associate in corporate finance.

These foundational roles gave Jeff experience with forecasting, capital markets, and valuation modeling—skills that would serve him well as he stepped into larger leadership roles.

Accordion Partners: Operationalizing Strategy

In 2018, Jeff became Vice President at Accordion Partners, a consulting firm that supports private equity-backed businesses. Here, he worked directly with C-level executives and PE investors to optimize financial operations and build scalable planning systems.

Jeff didn’t just advise—he implemented. His cross-functional leadership helped companies align goals, track key metrics, and prepare for funding rounds, acquisitions, and exits. His clear thinking and calm under pressure made him a go-to strategist for portfolio transformations.

H1: Fueling Health-Tech with Financial Strategy

In 2021, Jeff joined H1, a fast-growing healthcare technology company, as Head of Strategic Finance. H1 leverages AI to streamline clinical trial data and improve healthcare decision-making.

At H1, Jeff led multiple successful funding rounds—Series A, B, and C+—raising over $190 million. He also played a central role in the company’s acquisition of Carevoyance, extending H1’s reach into medical device analytics.

Jeff’s work at H1 went beyond finance. He acted as a key bridge between product and operations—ensuring growth strategies were backed by reliable data, long-term vision, and measurable impact.

Medi‑Weightloss & PartnerCare: Leading Finance in Healthcare

Jeff’s next roles brought him into the heart of healthcare operations:

• As Vice President of FP&A at Medi‑Weightloss, Jeff restructured financial reporting, improved forecasting accuracy, and built dashboards for over 50 clinics nationwide.

• At PartnerCare, where he served as Chief Financial Officer, he oversaw capital planning, compliance, and strategic budgeting for a multi-specialty healthcare platform.

In both positions, Jeff focused on building scalable systems that aligned people, process, and performance—combining strategy with empathy in service of better care and stronger organizations.

Covercraft Industries: Financial Strategy for Legacy Growth

In late 2024, Jeff took on the role of Senior Vice President at Covercraft Industries. Established in 1965, Covercraft is an American company known for producing high-quality automotive and outdoor protective gear.

At Covercraft, Jeff leads strategic finance and operational alignment. He supports everything from cost optimization and supply chain strategy to modernization of legacy systems—ensuring that the company’s financial health evolves alongside its product excellence.

Leadership Style: Calm, Strategic, People-First

Jeff Pinciak is often described as a leader who brings clarity without ego and strategy without stress.

He leads with:

• Analytical discipline—always grounded in data
• Emotional intelligence—valuing people as much as outcomes
• Collaborative execution—focusing on alignment, not authority

He mentors emerging leaders, builds team trust, and creates environments where people can thrive under pressure while staying mission-aligned.

Why Jeff Pinciak’s Leadership Stands Out

Jeff Pinciak exemplifies the role of finance as a driver of growth, innovation, and cultural strength. His impact spans industries and business models, combining strategic finance with operational rigor and human-centered leadership.

Key Achievements

• Raised $190M+ across Series A, B, and C+ rounds in healthcare tech
• Led H1’s acquisition of Carevoyance, expanding AI-driven analytics
• Built FP&A infrastructure across 50+ clinics at Medi‑Weightloss
• Oversaw PartnerCare’s capital planning and strategic budgeting
• Modernized financial and supply chain systems at Covercraft Industries

Core Expertise

• Strategic Finance · Forecasting · Fundraising
• Healthcare & Digital Health Innovation
• Private Equity Value Creation · M&A Prep
• Supply Chain Finance · Cost Optimization

As companies seek leaders who can balance growth with integrity, Jeff Pinciak offers not only financial excellence—but a clear, scalable, people-first model for transformation.

Future Vision: Scaling with Integrity

Looking ahead, Jeff is focused on helping businesses grow responsibly. His vision centers on:

• Tech-enabled finance operations
• Sustainable business growth
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Healthcare innovation that’s both equitable and efficient

He believes finance leaders should not only drive value—but also protect what matters most: people, purpose, and progress.

Final Thoughts: Why Jeff Pinciak’s Career Matters

Jeff Pinciak’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about numbers—it’s about meaning. Across every role, he has quietly but consistently shaped organizations that thrive under his guidance.

From healthcare startups to manufacturing giants, he brings the same principles: clear vision, operational rigor, and a deep belief in the potential of people.

For anyone building something lasting—Jeff Pinciak offers not just a model of financial excellence, but a map for leading with intention.