Governor Jan Brewer today added to her cabinet, naming Gene Palma as Director of the Department of Weights and Measures.
“I am thrilled to include Mr. Palma in my new administration,” stated Brewer. “He is a highly respected professional in his field, and his extensive knowledge and management skills will serve the citizens of Arizona well.”
Mr. Palma has a broad background in business management and law. He most recently served for six years as Director of the Business Services Divisions in the Secretary of State’s Office. During his time there, Mr. Palma oversaw the processing of commercial liens, intergovernmental agreements, trade names and trademarks. In addition, he developed and administered the Division’s budget, served as a registered lobbyist and legislative liaison for the Secretary of State, helped to develop the State’s first public-private advance directives registry (living wills) and took part in initiating a successful electronic notary pilot program.
Prior to his time in the Secretary of State’s Office, Mr. Palma worked as an attorney at Lieberman, Dodge, Gerding & Anderson, Ltd., where he represented private sector management in the areas of business contracts, dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation and litigation, as well as human resource and labor matters. He also represented several Fortune 500 companies, as well as local entities, as co-counsel for such corporations as Walgreens, Baxter International, Harkins Theaters and the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. He began his legal career as a Law Clerk at Jaburg & Wilk, P.C., assisting attorneys in trial preparation, court filings and preparing deposition summaries.
Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Palma served as Regional Manager for Primeria Financial Services, directing the management of more than 200 personal trust and investment management accounts. He conducted quarterly sales meetings for Primeria, developed goals, and coordinated all statewide training efforts. Throughout his career, he has been an active member of several organizations, including the Arizona State Bar, the Federalist Society and the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. He also serves as a volunteer at the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Mr. Palma received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University, where he later earned his Masters of Public Administration, Masters of Business Administration and Juris Doctor, with an emphasis in business law. He resides in Scottsdale with his wife and three children.
“I want to thank the outgoing Director of Weights and Measures, Mr. Seth Mones, for his courtesy and professionalism throughout the transition process,” said Governor Brewer.