Ducey senior aides announce departures, new opportunities

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday announced that two aides who have served his administration throughout its entirety would be departing for new professional opportunities. 

Chief of Staff Daniel Scarpinato is resigning from his post this month to join Ascent Media, “a full-service, national advertising, public affairs, strategic communications and campaign firm.”

Ascent’s clients include the Congressional Leadership Fund, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Republican State Leadership Committee, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Scarpinato has been the governor’s chief of staff for over 3 years and previously served as communications director. 

Gov. Doug Ducey responded to Scarpinato’s career transition with high praise. 

“Scarp has been a trusted and important part of my team since the beginning. His leadership through challenge after challenge has been critical to our success.” 

Ducey also announced that Gretchen Conger, his deputy chief of staff, would be leaving Arizona to become a senior adviser to Arkansas Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

“Words can’t express the admiration and appreciation I have for the Governor,” Conger said on Twitter. “I will miss him and this team greatly. I am so excited to start my next adventure!”

State Sen. Vince Leach, R-SaddleBrooke, wished both Scarpinato and Conger well.
“Scarp and Gretchen were a great team to work with over the years all in an effort to make AZ a better place to live, work and play,” Leach tweeted. “They can truly say they left AZ in a better place than when they came to government. My best to you both-good luck!”