Alumni Highlight: Amanda Covington

January 4, 2016MPA

Amanda Covington

Meet Amanda Covington, a 2009 graduate of the Executive MPA program. The MPA program asked her a few questions about her experience since graduation:

Who is your current employer and what is your job title?

I work for Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation products company. I am the Senior Vice President for Communications and Government Relations.

What are some of the duties of your job? Recent achievements?

I lead corporate communications and government relations strategies impacting financial communications, crisis communications, domestic and international media/public relations, corporate branding and advertising, digital media, employee relations, public policy and legislation, industry associations, and community relations. Recently, Vista Outdoor was honored as Deal Maker of the Year for our recent acquisition of CamelBak. We also received recognition as our CEO was named EY’s Regional Entrepreneur of the Year. I was able to participate in the launch of Vista Outdoor in 2015, as we spun off from ATK and created an independent, publicly traded company. The greatest highlight was ringing the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange on February 17, 2015.

What are some of your past careers, and how did your MPA lead to your new career?

I have had the privilege of working as a producer in television news and as a communications director for public agencies like UDOT and the Utah System of Higher Education. Governor Olene Walker named me her Deputy for Communications and I was honored to serve with one of Utah’s greatest leaders. I obtained my MPA while working in higher education. Interestingly, my next career move was into the private sector. A graduate degree was required. I oversee government relations and communications with several external stakeholders. The ability to research, communicate broadly, and draw upon HR, ethics, statistics and non-profit coursework has helped me to proactively shape my function’s long-term strategy for Vista Outdoor.

How has obtaining an MPA degree helped you in your career?

My MPA has helped me to think critically and strategically and tackle budgeting, human resources and market issues with confidence and experience. I ask more questions and listen to multiple points of view before making decisions.

What advice would you give to incoming or current MPA students?

Invest your time wisely. It will be over before you know it and the information you learn and the relationships you build with classmates and instructors will last a lifetime. I have often gone back to past instructors for advice and now we have formed new partnerships to make our Utah community stronger.

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