This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The University of Utah has hired a new media spokeswoman, Maria O'Mara.

O'Mara recently headed up external communications for Rocky Mountain Power, and previously she had 15 years of news media experience with KSL and the Deseret News.

"We are excited to welcome Maria to the U.," said William Warren, chief marketing and communications officer, in a press statement. "Maria's knowledge of media and her experience managing through changing news and business environments will be a great addition to the university's communication team."

O'Mara is looking forward to her new role at the school.

"There is so much exceptional work being done at the U.," O'Mara said in the statement. "It's no small task connecting news of that work to all the different audiences and communities eager to know it. I'm excited to be a part of that endeavor, especially as the U.'s reputation and visibility continue to grow in Utah and on the national stage."

O'Mara earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the U.