Gov. Cox Names Ericka Evans Executive Director of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services

SALT LAKE CITY - Gov. Cox announced the appointment of Ericka Evans as executive director of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS), pending Senate confirmation. Evans will replace Tiffany Clason, who is moving to the private sector after nearly four years of service with the state. Ericka will begin her service on Monday, July 28, 2025. Gov. Cox has appointed Todd Darrington to serve as interim Executive Director, effective Monday, June 30, 2025, until Evans’s start date on July 28, 2025.

Evans brings more than a decade of legal and public-sector experience to the position. She most recently served as 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. Earlier, she served as deputy director for legal and regulatory affairs at DABS, advising on policy and overseeing statewide licensing and compliance. Evans also spent six years with the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, drafting legislation on alcohol policy, business regulation, criminal justice and behavioral health.

“Ericka understands Utah’s alcohol laws inside and out and has proved she can steer complex operations with fairness and accountability,” Gov. Cox said. “Her experience in both the executive and legislative branches makes her uniquely qualified to lead DABS as it continues modernizing its service to Utahns. I also thank Tiffany Clason for her steady leadership and dedication to the department.”

“I’m honored to return to DABS and lead a team that plays such an important role in public safety and customer service,” Evans said. “Together we will keep improving licensing efficiency, supporting local businesses and upholding Utah’s responsible approach to alcohol regulation.”

DABS manages state liquor and wine stores while regulating alcohol sales and service statewide. Revenue from these operations helps fund public services, and the department pairs access with robust education and enforcement to promote responsible consumption.

A Salt Lake City resident, Evans attended law school in Southern California and completed her undergraduate degree at Westminster College. Evans and her husband are the parents of two children.

Ericka Evans’ headshot can be found here.