Tiffany Clason, the executive director of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, is departing the agency that oversees the sale of liquor in the state.
DABS spokesperson Michelle Schmitt said Wednesday that Clason hadn’t been looking for a new job, but she received an offer, and decided it would be the best choice for her and her family.
Schmitt told The Salt Lake Tribune on Thursday that Clason’s new position is with Swire Coca-Cola, USA, which “manufactures, distributes, and sells Coca-Cola and other beverage brands in 13 states across the American West,” according to the company’s website.
Michele McKillip, the senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications at Swire Coca-Cola, USA, said Clason will be joining the same department at the company’s Draper headquarters as senior director of public relations and government affairs.
Clason said that the new job will “be great for me professionally. I will get to see my kiddos and my family maybe a little bit more, which, of course, is not a bad thing.”
For now, Clason said, “I’m just focused on the transition, making sure that, over the next couple of weeks, that we have a smooth and stable handover.”
Her last day with the DABS will be June 27, the day after the liquor commission’s monthly meeting.
Clason served in the role as executive director of the DABS for more than four years. She was selected by Gov. Spencer Cox and the liquor commission, then confirmed by the Utah Senate in February 2021.
“Tiffany’s five years leading the DABS is marked with unprecedented advancements where she oversaw improvements to the department’s technology infrastructure, bridge-building with industry and community partners, and a robust culture shift towards better service,” Schmitt said in a statement.
The most visible change during Clason’s tenure was the agency’s name change — from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, an outward sign of Clason’s emphasis on service.
To select a new executive director, the liquor commission will send three recommendations to the governor, who will appoint one of them. His appointment will then go before the Utah Senate for approval.
