New DABC commissioner named

SALT LAKE CITY — Susan Devey, a businesswoman from Bountiful, has been named to fill the remaining vacancy on the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.

"As the agency faces a time of uncertainty and inquiry, I trust Susan and all other members of the commission will work cooperatively to restore confidence in DABC," Gov. Gary Herbert said.

The governor praised Devey for her "business training, community-oriented business background and common sense approach to issues" and said she will complement the rest of the five-member commission.

Devey, who works for the Utah office of military contractor L-3 Communications, has served as a substitute teacher, a community council member and a PTA president.

The agency, which controls the sale of wine, liquor and heavy-alcohol content beer in the state, is the subject of two ongoing audits, including one ordered by the governor into what he called "serious violations" of the state procurement law.

A legislative audit has already identified a $300,000 loss by a now-closed package liquor agency. 

Herbert called for and received the resignation of the DABC's longtime executive director, Dennis Kellen, last week. The commission is expected to start a search for his permanent replacement now that all of the vacancies have been filled.

— Lisa Riley Roche, Twitter: dnewspolitics