Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed a new executive director of the state‘s liquor agency as its previous director departs for a new position in the private sector.
On Friday, the governor’s office announced that Ericka Evans had been chosen to lead the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS), pending confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Evans replaces departing DABS executive director Tiffany Clason, who led the agency for more than four years and has accepted a new job with Swire Coca-Cola, USA, whose headquarters are in Draper.
Evans’ first day in her new post will be July 28. Until then, DABS financial director Todd Darrington will serve as interim executive director, effective Monday.
According to a news release, Evans’ most recent role was executive officer and internal services counsel for the Office of Legislative Services, “where she managed human resources, finance, printing and information-technology operations for the Utah Legislature.”
Before that, Evans served as deputy director for legal and regulatory affairs at the DABS, where she advised on policy and oversaw statewide licensing and compliance, the release stated.
Evans also spent six years with the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, where she drafted legislation on Utah liquor policy, among other topics, the governor’s office said.
“Ericka understands Utah’s alcohol laws inside and out and has proved she can steer complex operations with fairness and accountability,” Cox said in a statement. “Her experience in both the executive and legislative branches makes her uniquely qualified to lead DABS as it continues modernizing its service to Utahns.”
Cox also thanked Clason for her “steady leadership and dedication to the department.”
In a statement, Evans said, “I’m honored to return to DABS and lead a team that plays such an important role in public safety and customer service.”
“Together we will keep improving licensing efficiency, supporting local businesses and upholding Utah’s responsible approach to alcohol regulation,” she continued.
Evans went to law school in California and earned her undergraduate degree from Westminster College, according to the governor’s office. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and two children.