Lorna RomeroGovernor Doug Ducey made a series of announcements today, including the appointment of former Arizona Speaker of the House Andy Tobin to serve as director of the Arizona Department of Administration. Tobin has resigned from his seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission.
“I’m honored that Governor Ducey has entrusted me with this important role,” Tobin said. “I am excited to hit the ground running and get started working with the team at ADOA and throughout state government to best serve the taxpayers and the people of Arizona.”
Replacing Tobin on the Arizona Corporation Commission is Lea Marquez Peterson, former president and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m honored to receive Governor Ducey’s appointment to serve on the Corporation Commission,” Marquez Peterson said. “With a booming economy, more businesses and people are coming to Arizona. This is creating more opportunities for our citizens throughout the state than ever before. I look forward to drawing on my experience in the business community as a voice for all Arizonans.”
Before his appointment to the Commission in 2015, Tobin served as the director of the Arizona Department of Insurance and the interim director of the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions. Prior to those appointments, he served as director of the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures and in the Arizona Legislature.
“I’m thrilled to be able to bring Andy back into our administration,” Gov. Ducey said. “His passion for public service is unmatched and his understanding of state regulatory and administrative policy will serve the Department of Administration well as we continue to streamline and improve government.
In 2017, Marquez Peterson was recognized with a Top Latino Leader Award by the National Latino Leadership Conference. Prior to that, she was appointed by the Obama administration to the National Woman’s Business Council (NWBC) a group that advises the President, Congress and the Small Business Administration on challenges facing women-owned businesses.
“I want to thank Lea Marquez Peterson for answering this call to public service,” Gov. Ducey said. “Lea brings a unique and important voice to Arizona’s Corporation Commission. Lea is extensively involved in the Southern Arizona community, having led the largest Latino business organization in Arizona, and brings decades of leadership experience that has earned her bipartisan accolades. As an entrepreneur, she knows firsthand the challenges businesses face navigating a complex government bureaucracy, and will bring a fresh perspective on the commission.”
Community leaders across Arizona cheered today’s news.
“Gov. Doug Ducey has made an excellent, trailblazing selection in appointing Lea Marquez Peterson to the Arizona Corporation Commission. I have known Lea for years, and I can assure Arizonans across the state that she will be an excellent commissioner, looking out for ratepayers and ensuring our energy regulatory system remains competitive and open to innovation,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer said.
“The Greater Phoenix Chamber is thrilled to hear of Governor Ducey’s appointment of Lea Peterson to the Arizona Corporation Commission. A true champion of business, Lea was the longtime leader of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the Arizona Chamber board of directors, and is an active member of the U.S. Chamber and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber. She is a great friend to Arizona businesses, and we look forward to seeing great accomplishments in her new role,” Greater Phoenix Chamber President and CEO Todd Sanders said.
“Lea Marquez Peterson is a great selection. It’s exciting to have someone with her experience and Southern Arizona perspective on the Corporation Commission. I am sure she will have great success,” Southern Arizona Leadership Council President Ted Maxwell said.
“Congratulations Commissioner @LeaPeterson on your appointment to the @CorpCommAZ” said State Representative Cesar Chavez in a tweet.
President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority Sandra Watson chimed in on Twitter, “This is exciting news! There’s no one more qualified than @Andy_Tobin to head up @ArizonaDOA! Andy brings years of knowledge and expertise from both the private and public sector to this role. Congratulations, friend!”
State Representative Jeff Weninger tweeted, “Huge congrats to @Andy_Tobin. Can you say state level blockchain implementation. Boom.”
“Congratulations Mr. @Andy_Tobin excellent choice @dougducey,” tweeted Robert Uribe, Mayor of Douglas.
Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor Doug Ducey
Joseph Kavetsky
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