Amanda Covington was appointed as Chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education in 2023. She currently serves as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for the Larry H. Miller Company.
Professional background and corporate role
Covington brought extensive experience to the role, having previously served as senior vice president of communications and government relations for Vista Outdoor Inc.
Extensive communications and policy expertise
With more than 20 years of experience, Covington has led strategies involving corporate communications, government relations, crisis communications, and public policy. Her professional history includes serving as vice president of corporate communications for ATK, an aerospace, defense and commercial products company.
Previous Utah state government roles
Her previous work within Utah state government included serving as the assistant commissioner for public affairs at the Utah System of Higher Education, where she led communications and legislative relations for the State Board of Regents. Additionally, she served as the deputy for communications and spokesperson for Utah Governor Olene S. Walker and held the role of director of communications for the Utah Department of Transportation.
Early career in broadcast journalism
Covington's background also includes work in broadcast journalism for Utah’s NBC and ABC affiliates.
Board memberships and recent honors
In addition to her board leadership, Covington sits on the advisory board for First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up Utah Initiative and serves on the boards of directors for 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, the Salt Lake Chamber honored her as an Athena, and she was recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of the 30 Women to Watch.
Academic achievements and education
She is a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the Honors College and a Master of Public Administration.
