PROVO — For the first time in years, Provo has a deputy mayor.

Mayor Lewis Billings has announced the appointment of Mark Nord as deputy mayor. The position has been vacant but was resurrected when Billings decided to split up the duties previously held by Raylene Ireland, the director of community and government affairs, who resigned during the summer.

Some of Ireland's duties, including acting as Provo's spokeswoman, went to Helen Anderson, who was hired Oct. 29.

Nord will be the city's liaison with the state Legislature, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, the Utah County Transit Task Force and other local and statewide organizations.

Nord also will supervise the west Center Street beautification project.

A native of Ogden, Nord previously worked for Foxley and Pignanelli Governmental Affairs Consulting in Salt Lake City.