NOMINEE REQUIRING SENATE CONFIRMATION
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT BACKGROUND SUMMARY
POSITION: Nonattorney Member, District 1, Commission on Trial Court
Appointments, Maricopa County
APPOINTING GOVERNOR: Janice K. Brewer
DATE OF APPOINTMENT: February 6, 2009
FUNCTION OF THE COMMISSION ON TRIAL COURT APPOINTMENTS, MARICOPA COUNTY:
Pursuant to Article 6 § 41 of the Arizona Constitution, the Commission on Trial Court Appointments, Maricopa County (Maricopa County Commission) reviews judicial applications for Maricopa County Superior Court by conducting investigations, holding public hearings and taking public testimony. The Maricopa County Commission subsequently recommends at least three applicants for nomination to the Governor.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:
Pursuant to Article 6 § 41 of the Arizona Constitution, the Maricopa County Commission consists of 16 members: ten nonattorneys, no more than two of whom are from the same supervisorial district; five attorneys, none of whom reside in the same supervisorial district and not more than three of whom are members of the same political party; and the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, who is the Chairman. Members serve staggered four-year terms.
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP AND TERM EXPIRATIONS:
Members Position, Party District Term Expires
*Douglas C. Cole Nonattorney, R (1) 01/16/12
*Karen L. Smith Nonattorney, I (1) 01/24/11
Jill C. Kusy Nonattorney, R (2) 01/18/10
VACANT Nonattorney (2)
Dean S. Miller Nonattorney, R (3) 01/19/09
Debra W. Stark Nonattorney, D (3) 01/15/07
Diane E. Rosztoczy Nonattorney, D (4) 01/15/07
Dr. Ron Cox Nonattorney, R (4) 01/19/04
Frances J. Castillo Nonattorney, D (5) 01/18/10
VACANT Nonattorney (5)
James E. Blair, Jr. Attorney, R (1) 01/18/10
*Ronald S. Reinstein Attorney, I (2) 01/21/13
Michael A. Leal Attorney, D (3) 01/15/11
VACANT Attorney (4)
Jennifer Hunter Attorney, D (5) 01/18/10
* Pending Confirmation
SALARY OR OTHER COMPENSATION:
Upon approval by the Chairman, the expenses of meetings of the Maricopa County Commission and the attendance of members for travel and subsistence is paid from the state General Fund.
BUDGET AND FTES:
None.
NOMINEE’S QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
B.A. in International Studies, Cum Laude, School of International Studies, the American University
Employment:
HighGround Inc., Public Affairs Consultants – Senior Vice President (1998 - present)
Senator John McCain – Arizona Communications Director (2000 Presidential Bid)
Arizona House of Representatives – Director of Communications (1997-1998)
Governor Fife Symington – Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications (1991-1997)
Congressman John J. Rhodes, III – Press Secretary (1987-1991)
Central Arizona Project – Public Information Assistant (1985-1987)
Congressman John McCain – Legislative Intern/Staff Assistant (1985)
Other Qualifications:
Nonattorney Member, District 1, Commission Trial Court Appointments, Maricopa County
Precinct Committeeman (Elected on Sept. 2, 2008)
Public Information Officer Training Seminar in Bucharest, Romania – Participant (September 1998)
Phoenix Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee – Chairman
Involvement in numerous political campaigns and statewide initiatives
Judiciary Committee
April 29, 2009