Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) has nominated Naghi Zeenati, a real-estate professional, to chair the state’s Transportation Commission. The nomination of Zeenati, a five-year member of the panel that prioritizes state transportation spending, follows last year’s withdrawal of Herbert’s previous choice. Larry Ellertson had faced intense criticism from legislators over numerous financial and ethical controversies during his 10 years on the board of the Utah Transit Authority. A federal investigation into the agency ended in 2017 following implementation of legislature-mandated reforms. Zeenati will assume his new duties immediately.