Ex-TV journalist is new UDOT official

Tom Hudachko, a former broadcast journalist for TV stations in Salt Lake City and Boise, has been named the new director of communications for the Utah Department of Transportation.

Hudachko's appointment by UDOT executive director John Njord was announced Monday.

He replaces Amanda Covington, who left UDOT last year to serve as Gov. Olene Walker's deputy for communications.

Hudachko, who has served as a UDOT public information officer since November 2001, will coordinate the department's communications efforts with staff, public and the media.

"Tom's extensive experience working with the media and his strong work ethic will continue to benefit UDOT as he represents the department in his new role," Njord said in a press release.

Prior to his employment with UDOT, Hudachko worked at KUTV in Salt Lake.