Giovanni G. Maschero, a South Jordan chiropractic radiologist, has been appointed Italian vice consul for Utah.
A native of Genoa, Italy, Maschero emigrated to the United States 20 years ago and served in the Italian consulate in Los Angeles before relocating to Utah two years ago.The position of Utah vice consulate has been vacant for five years, requiring anyone having business with the Italian government to communicate with embassy officials in San Francisco.
Maschero said a vice consulate is important to Utah because of the state's large number of Italian-Americans and long-term travelers to Italy - particularly missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The consul can facilitate the application for visas and act as a liaison with the Italian government on other matters, Maschero said. Also, he said he will seek an increased awareness in Italian culture and promote the study of the Italian language.
"In my contact with students from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, I have found a great deal of interest in Italy," Maschero said.
Maschero said he welcomes anyone requiring consulate services to contact him at his office, 1784 W. 9580 South.