The Miss Utah Scholarship Organization is pleased to announce the distinguished panel of judges who will select Miss Utah 2026.
The next Miss Utah will be chosen from 52 contestants representing communities across the state. As Miss Utah, she will serve as an ambassador for the Miss Utah Scholarship Organization, receive more than $15,000 in tuition scholarships, enjoy support from valued community partners and sponsors, and represent Utah at the Miss America Competition in September in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Each member of this year’s judging panel brings a unique perspective and professional expertise to the selection process, helping identify the young woman who will best embody the values, mission, and legacy of the Miss Utah and Miss America organizations.
Meet the Miss Utah 2026 judges:
Dr. Nicole Johnson
Head Judge
Dr. Nicole Johnson is an internationally recognized advocate, author, and healthcare leader whose work has helped raise more than $50 million for diabetes research and awareness. She was crowned Miss America 1999 and previously served as Head Judge for the Miss America Competition. Nicole holds doctoral and master’s degrees in public health and communications, currently serves a Regional Director for Type 1 Diabetes Care Pathway Education at Sanofi.
Phil Kimmi
Phil Kimmi has judged 31 state competitions nationwide and served for a decade as Judges’ Chairman for the Miss Missouri Organization for ten years. A musician with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, Phil is also the founder of a communications and professional development consulting firm following a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Marquessa Bullock Aikele
Marquessa Aikele was crowned Miss Utah 1993 and represented the state at the Miss America 1994 Pageant. She holds a degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Utah State University and has spent more than 35 years teaching and mentoring students. She currently serves as a faculty instructor and adjudicator for the renowned Castle Rock Music Clinic each summer.
Adam Gardiner
Adam Gardiner is a prominent public policy and government affairs leader whose career includes service in the Utah Legislature, leadership roles with U.S. Senator Mitt Romney and Representative Rob Bishop, and founding AGC Consulting Inc., one of Utah’s leading public affairs consulting firms. He has successfully led lobbying and policy efforts securing millions of dollars and significant legislative outcomes for his clients.
Hannah Marie Wagner
Hannah Marie Wagner is a former professional ballet dancer and Miss Kansas 2015. She holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Wichita State University and has built a successful career spanning business, modeling, community advocacy, and the arts.
Robert G. Bennett
Robert G. Bennett is a respected executive and community leader who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Grand Home Furnishings. A dedicated volunteer within the Miss America Opportunity, he serves as Executive Vice President and COO of the Miss Virginia Organization and has spent years supporting the development and success of young women through leadership and mentorship.
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Buy tickets to the Miss Utah 2026 Competition here.