University of Arizona Appoints New Vice President for Health Affairs

Dr. William M. Crist, dean of the University of Missouri School of Medicine and a nationally noted pediatric cancer investigator, has been appointed vice president for health affairs at The University of Arizona. The Arizona Board of Regents approved the appointment at its meeting in Flagstaff.

Crist, who is scheduled to begin his new duties Oct. 31st, will be responsible to UA President Robert N. Shelton for the coordination and administration of overall academic and medical services in the UA College of Medicine (in Tucson and at the UA College of Medicine - Phoenix in partnership with ASU); the UA College of Nursing; the UA College of Pharmacy; and the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. He also will oversee all UA agreements with University Medical Center, University Physicians Healthcare (UPH) and UPH Hospital. Crist will work in partnership with Meredith Hay, UA executive vice president and provost, in the development and execution of strategic academic priorities for the health sciences academic units.

President Shelton said, "As our vice president for health affairs, we believe Bill Crist will take the UA's Arizona Health Sciences Center to the next level in terms of growth and success. His excellent track record as a medical school dean and successful fundraiser, as well as his noted work as a physician-scientist, provide the exact background we were seeking for this important new position. Arizona must address a severe shortage of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals. Under Dr. Crist's leadership we will redouble our efforts to help address this crisis."

Hay, who oversaw recruitment for the newly created vice president position, said, "We're absolutely thrilled Dr. Crist has accepted this key position at the UA. With his vast experience as a health administrator and as a world-class research scientist and physician, he is the perfect individual to help guide development of our health sciences colleges and expansion in Phoenix."

Crist said, "I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead the fast-emerging Arizona Health Sciences Center. I truly believe the `sky is the limit' for the UA's health colleges and its clinical enterprise if we work together, plan appropriately and are successful in gaining additional resources. The Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson provides first-class facilities that house excellent academic, research and clinical programs. And the new campus in Phoenix provides a remarkable opportunity for innovative health education, research and patient care. However, to ensure successful growth at both campuses we must emphasize collaboration - among the three state universities and the Arizona Board of Regents; with the Legislature and the Governor's Office; and with private industry and foundations. I believe such collaboration is absolutely key to the kind of success we hope to achieve."

A 1969 graduate of the MU School of Medicine, Crist became its dean in September 2000; in October 2004, he was named MU's first Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean. During his tenure, he contributed greatly to the recruitment of renowned physicians, a tripling of the school's endowment, significant increases in grant support for research, extensive construction of new labs and an ongoing effort to integrate continuous quality improvement into the curriculum and patient care.

Also a professor in the MU Department of Child Health, Crist is among the scientists credited with dramatically improving our understanding of childhood leukemias and their treatments.

He came to MU from the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, Minn., where he served as chair of pediatric and adolescent medicine since 1997. Prior to that, he served as director of pediatric hematology and oncology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis and as chair of hematology and oncology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis. From 1976-85 he served as director of pediatric hematology and oncology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

From 1969-70, Crist completed an internship in pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich. He was a resident fellow in pediatrics and pediatric hematology at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., 1970-71. From 1971-72 he was a fellow in pediatric hematology at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Crist has published extensively in the medical literature, has received a wide range of honors and awards and has served on numerous editorial boards and professional societies. He led the merger effort that formed the Children's Oncology Group, which designs and directs clinical trials for children with cancer throughout North America and beyond.

Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week

Gene Autry - Cowboy Hymns and Songs of Inspiration
The Sons of the Pioneers - Western Hymns and Spirituals
Loudon Wainwright III - Recovery
Hoyt Axton - My Griffin Is Gone
Glen Campbell - Meet Glen Campbell
Todd Snider - Peace Queer
Amy MacDonald - This Is The Life
Jerry Douglas - Glide
Crystal Shawanda - Dawn of a New Day
George Jones - Burn Your Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets
Chris Knight - Heart of Stone

Some DVDs Out This Week

Dexter - The Complete 2nd Season
Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies
Married... with Children: The Complete 9th Season
TNA: Slammiversary 2008
Lost Concert Series: Presley Cash Road Show
WWE: The Great American Bash 2008
Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete 1st Season
Love and a .45
Tales of Blood
Don Quixote
Transformers Animated: Season 1
Evil Awakening
The Fletch Collection
The Unseen
Fighting With Anger
Perry Mason: Season 3, Vol. 1
Street Kings
An American Crime
House, M.D. - Season 4
The Proposition
Prom Night
Recount
Never Love a Stranger
Things You Don't Tell
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior
The Life Before Her Eyes
Her Best Move
Camp Rock (Extended Rock Star Edition)
Gossip Girl - The Complete 1st Season

Teen Killed Near Queen Creek After Shooting

At about 2:30 this morning, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office received several 9-1-1 calls in reference to multiple shots fired and a subject laying face down in the street at Cambria and Altadonna in the Pecan Creek neighborhood, east of the Town of Queen Creek. The victim, who was pronounced deceased on scene, was identified as a 17-year-old Queen Creek High School student. The victim was involved in an altercation with multiple people and a gun fight ensued. Next of kin has been notified. The victim's body was transported to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office. PCSO Detectives are actively investigating the case.

Superior High School Baseball Team Raising Funds With A Golf Tournament

The baseball team will be having a golf tournament on August 31st, at the Queen Valley Golf Course for fundraising and equipment. It is a 3-man scramble with registration starting at 6:30 am with tee off at 7:30 am. They are limited to 30 teams and have already filled 18 spots. It's only $45 per player and anyone interested in registering early can contact Art Ramirez at 1-520-827-0547 or 1-520-689-2619.

Republican Club Meeting

At 9 am this morning the Cobre Valley Republican Club will meet at the new headquarters, near ML&H in downtown Globe, to discuss the booth at the Gila County Fair.

Wreck Involving Cyclist Near Queen Creek Causes Long Delay

At approx. 4:45 pm, Bela Vista between Stardust & Gantzel roads, in the Queen Creek area were closed for a few hours after a motorcyclist riding eastbound on a shoulder of I-10 when Charles Fincher, 50, of Douglasville, Ga., careened into the path of a pick-up truck pulling a trailer collided. Fincher was flown to a Phoenix area hospital with serious head trauma he suffered in the crash.

Report Shows 18% Drop In Traffic Crash Deaths In Arizona

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths across all age groups, claiming over 1,000 lives statewide & over 41,000 lives per year nationwide. Earlier today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) assessment of motor vehicle crash fatalities & injuries for 2006. This year, the report revealed a significant drop in fatalities across the state & country.

The report broke down roadway deaths by state. According to NHTSA, Arizona’s roadway death toll decreased by 18% with 227 fewer fatalities, from 1,293 in 2006 to 1,066 in 2007, second only to California in number of lives saved. Percentage wise, Arizona ranked fifth (-18%) in terms of lives saved over last year, following Vermont (-24%), South Dakota (-24%), Wyoming (-23%) & Delaware (-21%).

“While this year’s FARS assessment report results are encouraging, it is important to point out that a drop in traffic related deaths over a single year does not constitute a trend,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Traffic fatalities remain a serious public health issue, as over 112 people are dying & thousands more are injured on our roadways every day. The sad reality is that the majority of these fatalities are completely preventable through proper use of seatbelts, helmet & child safety seats.”

The report also revealed that motor vehicle injuries dropped by just over three percent, the lowest total since NHTSA began collecting injury data in 1988 while motorcycle deaths increased for the 10th straight year, comprising of 13% of all highway deaths last year. Additionally, pedestrian & cyclist fatalities also dropped by 2.9% & 9.6% respectively, while pedestrian injuries increased by 15%.

“As an advocate for the safety & security of all motorists in Arizona , AAA encourages transportation professionals to consider the use of proven behavior change theories & methodologies to further reduce risky behaviors contributing to fatalities,” said Gorman. “For example, implementing measures such as a booster seat & a primary seat belt law would help to save hundreds of lives across our state each year.”

AAA Arizona is a current and active member of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Council (GTSAC), which was established in 2004 to serve as a role model in leadership for developing, promoting & implementing cost-effective traffic safety strategies within the state transportation system. In addition, the Club served on the committee that developed the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which has identified the following emphasis areas in attempts to reduce the number of traffic fatalities:

1. Lack of restraint use. Nearly 700 traffic deaths & 3,000 serious injuries could be prevented each year if motorists and passengers would buckle up.
2. Young drivers 25 & under. Lack of experience, maturity & peer pressure increase the possibility for young drivers to be involved in crashes. Drivers in this age group account for over 350 traffic deaths & 3,000 serious injuries on Arizona roadways each year. AAA Arizona serves as the lead for this emphasis area team.
3. Speeding. This continues to be a significant factor in traffic crashes resulting in over 400 traffic deaths & more than 2,000 serious injuries annually in Arizona.
4. Impaired driving. Drivers’ inability to control their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs account for almost 500 traffic deaths & more than 1,000 serious injuries every year in Arizona.
5. Roadways departures. Improper lane changes, drifting off the road, crossing over the center line or improperly negotiating intersections are the combined results of driver error & roadway characteristics. Drivers in these situations account for over 600 traffic deaths & more than 2,000 serious injuries annually.

“The good news is progress has been made, for example, the new teen driving law went into effect earlier this summer,” said Gorman. “However, there so much more we can do to reduce injuries & fatalities & make our roads safer for everyone. Society has become complacent with the number of lives lost in traffic crashes each year. As a member organization representing over 800,000 motorists across Arizona, this is something that AAA refuses to do.”

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members & motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety & security of all travelers.

Time For Voting Early In Pinal County's Primary Election Is Running Out

Residents who received an early ballot by mail should think about voting and sending it back in soon said Pinal County Recorder Laura Dean-Lytle.

“We have less than three weeks to go before the September 2nd primary and there have been a little over 4,000 ballots turned back in,” Dean-Lytle said. “Filling out the ballot and dropping it in the mail is the easiest way to go. But voters can also bring their completed ballot to an early voting site. We want to make sure their vote is counted.”

Dean-Lytle added that residents can also turn their early ballots in on election day at any polling place in Pinal County . If someone who has received an early ballot goes to the polls to vote, they will have to vote a provisional ballot while the records are checked to ensure both ballots are not voted.

Any ballots received by the county after September 2nd will not be counted.

Temporary Fossil Creek Area Closures

Due to continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities, a temporary closure of Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek on the Tonto and Coconino national forests will be in effect from Monday, August 18th, 2008 through Saturday, February 28th, 2009 (unless teminated sooner).

The closure area boundaries include: Fossil Springs trailhead north to Fossil Springs, west to the Irving Power Plant, and south along the east side of Forest Road (FR) 708 (Fossil Creek Road). Exemptions to the order will include security personnel and law enforcement in the performance of their duties.

This temporary closure is requested by Arizona Public Service (APS) in connection with the ongoing decommissioning of the power plant and facilities at Fossil Creek.

The closure order and map of the closure area can be found on the Tonto website.

Casa Grande Construction Announcement

Arizola from Cottonwood Lane to Carolyn Way will be subject to day time closure through September 5th, for utility and drainage construction related to Vista Grande High School.

Thornton Road from south of Peters Road to SR 84 - Gila Bend Highway, lane diversion for pavement reconstruction from August 18th to November 18th, related to a joint City of Casa Grande/Pinal County Project.

‘Senior Freeze’

September 1st is the deadline for filing for the Senior Property Valuation Protection or more commonly known as the ‘Senior Freeze.’

“This is an important program approved by the state that allows us to freeze the full cash value of a primary residence,” Pinal County Assessor Paul Larkin said. “What this does is provides a greater degree of financial stability for people with qualifying low incomes.”

Larkin explained that state laws do not allow taxing jurisdictions to freeze taxes because tax bills reflect the tax rates of multiple jurisdictions such as fire districts, school districts and community colleges.

“The actual tax bill may fluctuate from year to year but because the full cash value of the property is frozen, people on low or fixed incomes should see less movement in the total tax amount,” Larkin said.

The total gross income of all owners is what is used to determine eligibility. For a one-owner property, the income limit is $30,576. If there are two or more owners, the limit is $38,220. Income is verified using tax returns, W-2 forms or 1099 forms.

To qualify for the valuation freeze, at least one of the property owners must be at least 65 at the time of application. The property must be the primary residence and the individual(s) must have lived there at least two years. Owners can protect up to ten acres, plus the primary residence as long as it is at the same location and is identified by just one parcel number.

Applicants need to provide proof of residency with an Arizona driver’s license or Arizona ID card. If the property held in trust, individuals must provide proof of trustees along with the application. Once approved, the valuation freeze is in effect for three years. Six months prior to the expiration of the current period, the Pinal County Assessor mails existing freeze recipients a reminder to renew by reapplying.

Assessor Larkin’s Exemptions Department is available to answer questions or assist with obtaining or completing the application. The phone number for the department is at (520) 866-6363.

ADC Names Arizona Small Business Advocate

The Arizona Department of Commerce welcomes Vanessa Gonzalez to the position of Arizona Small Business Advocate. For the past year, Gonzalez has served as the agency's Legislative Director. Previously, she served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs in the Office of Governor Napolitano. She worked as Communications Director for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) as well as staff for the CHC's Telecommunications and Technology Task Force which examined the impact of emerging technologies on the Hispanic business community.

"Vanessa brings strong advocacy and partnership building skills toArizona entrepreneurs," says Arizona Department of Commerce Director Jan Lesher. "Small businesses have been the backbone sustaining Arizona's economy in the toughest times, and there is no better time to help our State's small businesses grow and thrive."

Gonzalez will continue her work on legislative issues for the agency.

OUI/DUI Crackdown

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and law enforcement and traffic-safety partners announced today its participation in the annual national “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” DUI Crackdown that begins Aug. 15th, and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1st. During this three-week campaign, Arizona's DUI Task Forces around the state will be out in force to remove impaired drivers. Last year’s campaign resulted in 858 DUI arrests, including 323 for extreme DUI, and 80 impaired drivers under the age of 21.

And since nearly 50% of fatalities on Arizona’s waterways involve alcohol (which is slightly more than the 45% of traffic-related deaths that involve alcohol), GOHS and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) have created a joint campaign to educate motorists and boaters about the dangers of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) as well as driving impaired.

"Impaired driving and boating are serious offenses and perpetrators should expect the consequences to be equally serious,” said Governor Janet Napolitano. “It makes sense for Arizonans to be responsible and designate drivers for both motor vehicles and watercraft. In addition, underage drinking continues to be the number one substance abuse issue facing youth in Arizona, and adults need to set a positive example.”

Adults and youth should know that the legal drinking age in Arizona is 21, and officers will be citing offenders appropriately. During last year’s crackdown, 217 minors were cited around the holidays for underage consumption. Adults are often unaware that the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for those under 21 year of age is .00, not .08 as is the legal limit for those over 21. In addition, parents and other adults can be cited for providing alcohol to minors, and can learn more at drawyourline.com. Regardless of age, impaired driving will not be tolerated in Arizona, and motorists need to remember that you can be cited “if you’re impaired to the slightest degree.”

"Over the next couple of weeks leading up to the Labor Day holiday weekend—and every time you get behind the wheel, whether it’s a vehicle or boat—make sure the driver is sober or find another safe mode of transportation,” said GOHS Director Richard Fimbres. “For those who don’t make the right, safe decision, law enforcement will be out in force to remove these dangerous, deadly drivers from Arizona's roadways and waterways.”

Due to recent legislation, penalties for boating while impaired almost mirror those of driving under the influence, including mandatory jail time for all offenders. Through this partnership, GOHS and AGFD, with the participation of 18 Arizona law enforcement agencies, produced a series of public service announcements (in English and Spanish) called “OUI/DUI Working Together” that will be airing this month and throughout the boating season. The goal is to increase OUI/DUI awareness and advise the public that driving or boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated in Arizona. On the waterways, 357 boaters were arrested statewide in 2007 for operating under the influence. OUI? DUI? Expect the Max.

"Boating while impaired continues to be a critical problem and a high-priority target enforcement objective for watercraft law enforcement officers,” said Mike Senn, Assistant Director of Field Operations for AGFD. “This partnership will only enhance Game and Fish’s Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober campaign because statewide law enforcement agencies are conveying one message for everyone, and that is, if you are caught on the water operating a boat while intoxicated, you will suffer very similar consequences as if you were caught driving a car drunk.”

Heroes of Yavapai County Day

The Trauma Intervention Programs of Arizona, Inc. (TIP) will be hosting a free “Heroes of Yavapai County Day” at Prescott Gateway Mall on August 23rd, from 10 am - 3 pm. Local police and fire departments will be on hand with family fun and safety activities. Meet the local heroes featured in the 2009 Heroes of Yavapai County Calendar for autographs. Child finger printing, exploring fire trucks, and other activities will be available. Hero calendars will be on sale for $15. Proceeds benefit Trauma Intervention Programs of Arizona, Inc. For more information call (928)277-1108, (928)445-4655, or visit: TIPofAZ.org.

Second Annual Audit For PCSO Adult Detention Center Yields Positive Results

On Aug. 7th, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Custom Enforcement Division completed its second annual compliance audit of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center with positive results.

On Aug. 5th, a team of five auditors from Creative Corrections in Beaumont, Texas, under contract with the Department of Homeland Security, arrived at PCSO to assess the detention facility’s compliance with the federal guidelines contained in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Operations Manual. This manual contains 38 separate standards, encompassing 646 separate performance measures.

Each of the five auditors is an expert within their respective field, most being retired Federal Bureau of Prison, State Department of Corrections Wardens or Jail Commanders with years of correctional experience. This team of correctional experts spent two and one-half days examining every facet of the facility’s operations, including administration, security, food service, medical, sanitation, transportation, etc.

During the exit briefing, Michael Ciolli, Review-in-Charge, gave great accolades to the detention staff for their professionalism, appearance and dedication. He commended the staff on the cleanliness of the facility and stated it was apparent they took pride in the facility and themselves.

“I am extremely proud of the job our detention staff does on a daily basis and expect they will continue to set an example of excellence for all detention facilities within the state of Arizona,” PCSO Adult Detention Chief Deputy Terry Altman said.

Although the audit team does not provide a rating, their report is provided to DHS Headquarters, where it is reviewed and a final rating assigned. Mr. Ciolli reported that he found no areas for which Pinal County was noncompliant with any of the 38 standards.

This audit is an annual requirement for those agencies who house Immigration detainees under contract with the Department of Homeland Security and is used to assess the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the detention facility. This is the second such audit completed since Pinal County entered into a contract to house ICE detainees in December 2006.

Mosquito Spraying At Dave White Regional Park

The City of Casa Grande, Community Services Department will be conducting mosquito spraying at the Dave White Municipal Golf Course on Friday, August 15th, at approx. 9 pm. Residents in and around the parks and municipal golf course located at Dave White Park are encouraged to close all doors and windows and avoid use of an evaporative cooler that evening. For further information, please contact the City of Casa Grande, Community Services Department at 421-8677.

New Student Orientation For Adult Education Students

A new Student Orientation for Adult Education Students will be held today at 4:30 pm at the Globe Education Center, 439 S. 4th St. in Globe.

New students must attend an Orientation session prior to beginning classes. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Globe Education Center.

San Carlos Early Voting Event

The Gila County Recorder’s Office is holding early voting for all registered voters on the San Carlos Apache Reservation today from 9 am to 3 pm at the San Carlos Library in downtown San Carlos.

Early voting is for anyone who wants to vote before the Primary Election date Sept. 2nd. It is convenient for the elderly and disabled people who cannot stand for long periods. No ID is required for early voting.

Members Of Napolitano’s Staff Are Leaving

Dennis Burke, Napolitano’s Chief of Staff, will leave his job in mid-September to work on a variety of political campaigns in Arizona. Burke has worked with the Governor since her days as United States Attorney, and has been Chief of Staff since she took office as Governor in 2003.

Over the course of his career, Burke has worked for the U.S. Department of Justice and in the White House as a Senior Policy Analyst, coordinating crime and drug policies and acting as a liaison to federal law enforcement. Burke worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, prosecuting narcotics cases, and as the Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Arizona.

Replacing Burke is Jan Lesher, currently the Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce. Prior to her work at Commerce, Lesher was the Director of the Governor’s Southern Arizona Office, working to forge solid relationships between state government and rural Arizona.

A Tucson native, Lesher has also served as Vice-President of Communications and Marketing for the Tucson Economic Development Corporation; Executive Director of the Tucson Community Cable Corporation; and Vice President of Warner-Amex Cable. She has an extensive and impressive history of community involvement, including service with the Arizona Town Hall; the Greater Tucson Economic Council; the Tucson Airport Authority; La Frontera; and she was named Metropolitan Tucson Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2005.

The Governor has also announced that George Cunningham, Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance and Budget, will retire. Cunningham has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in state government. He served eight years in the Arizona Legislature, from 1993 to 2000; during his time in the Senate, he was the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and served as Minority Whip in his second term.

Prior to his legislative service, Cunningham worked as Vice President for Administrative Services at the University of Arizona, as well as in other administrative and financial capacities at the University. He served as Chief of Staff for Governor Rose Mofford; Chief Policy Advisor to the Arizona State Senate President; Executive Director of the Pima Association of Governments; and Assistant City Manager of South Tucson, Arizona.

James Apperson will take over as Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance and Budget. Since October 2006, Apperson has served in the Governor’s Office as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting. Prior to joining the Governor, Apperson was President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, overseeing all aspects of the operation including policy analysis and legislative advocacy.

Apperson has also worked for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Maricopa Community Colleges; Southwest Gas; the Arizona House of Representatives, as a research analyst; and the Arizona Corporation Commission. Apperson has served twice before in the Governor’s Office, during the Mofford and Babbitt administrations.

The Governor’s Legislative Liaison and Deputy Chief of Staff, Mike Haener, will also move on. Haener has also served with the Governor since the beginning of her term, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs. His work has been critically important to advancing the Governor’s agenda, including the creation of voluntary, statewide full-day kindergarten, establishing a medical center in downtown Phoenix, and creation of Science Foundation Arizona.

Before joining the Governor’s Office, Haener was the Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications, working with Napolitano at the Office of the Attorney General; had his own consulting business, working on campaign strategy, public policy and by guiding candidates during the formative days of Arizona’s vote-by-mail program; and was an Assistant to the Mayor of the City of Phoenix.

The Governor has appointed Suzie Barr to take over duties as Director of Legislative Affairs. Barr currently serves as the Governor’s Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy Advisor for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Prior to working for the Governor, Barr was a prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, and worked in Washington, D.C. for Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and has a Juris Doctorate from the Arizona State University College of Law.

Finally, Marco Lopez, Jr., will take over as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, continuing an early and successful career of service to the state. In 2000, Lopez was elected Mayor of the city of Nogales, Arizona – at the age of 22 years old, he was one of the youngest mayors in the United States. He was re-elected to that job by an overwhelming margin in 2002.

Lopez then joined state government as Executive Director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, an organization essential to developing international policy, and in enhancing the economic power of the Arizona-Sonora region. In recent years, the AMC has been responsible for improvements to Arizona’s Ports of Entry, as well as a dramatic increase in cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the international border.

Most recently, Lopez has continued and expanded that work as the Governor’s Senior Policy Advisor for International Affairs.

“Dennis, Mike and George have been with me for a very long time, and together, we’ve accomplished much for Arizona. I will miss them,” said Governor Napolitano. “At the same time, I’m thrilled to have talented members of my team take on new jobs. I have absolute confidence that each of them will excel in their new areas.”

Although transitions have begun, most of the personnel changes are effective September 15th.