[NEWS RELEASE] Governor Jan Brewer Announces Staff Changes
Appoints New Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Department of Administration
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer today announced key changes to her senior staff.
Kathy Peckardt has been named the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Peckardt is transitioning from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), where she has been Director of Human Resources since 2002. Meanwhile, Brian McNeil is rejoining the Brewer administration as Director of ADOA. Both staff moves are necessary due to the promotion of Scott Smith to Chief of Staff. Mr. Smith has held a dual role as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of ADOA.
“Change is inevitable within any administration,” said Governor Brewer, “but I’m thankful and blessed that people of the character and caliber of Kathy Peckardt and Brian McNeil continue to show a willingness to serve my team and the citizens of Arizona.”
Ms. Peckardt has worked for ADOA in a variety of roles since 1984, including as Director of Human Resources over the last decade. In that position this year, she helped lead the Governor’s successful initiative to modernize the State of Arizona’s personnel system. Additionally, Ms. Peckardt has been instrumental in using automation to streamline labor-intensive HR processes – resulting in more than $53 million worth of productivity savings across State government. In 2004, she led the State’s transition to a self-insured health insurance program for approximately 60,000 State employees and family members. Ms. Peckardt earned her Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University (1984).
“I’m pleased to welcome Kathy to my senior team,” said Governor Brewer. “Having dedicated nearly 30 years of public service to the State of Arizona, Kathy has played a key role in improving and streamlining State government – most recently with her leadership in our successful effort to update the State’s antiquated personnel system. Kathy’s eye for innovation and reform will be a valuable addition to my staff.”
Ms. Peckardt’s appointment is effective November 9, 2012.
Brian McNeil’s selection as Director of ADOA marks his return to State service and the Brewer administration. Mr. McNeil was the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations from 2009 to 2011, departing last fall to join the private firm Public Policy Partners.
“I’ve known Brian since my days in the State Senate. He has always been a devoted and honorable public servant, and very few can match his knowledge of Arizona policy and government operations,” said Governor Brewer. “Brian played a critical role in helping guide my administration through some of our State’s most difficult times. I’m thankful for his willingness to now rejoin us in leading ADOA into the future.”
Before first joining the Brewer administration in 2009, Mr. McNeil served as: Executive Director of the Arizona Corporation Commission (1999-2009); Deputy Director for Budget and Policy with the Arizona Department of Health Services (1997-1999); Policy Advisor to Governor Fife Symington (1996-1997); Director of Operations (1995-1996) Policy Advisor to the Majority (1993-1995) and Research Analyst (1992-1993) for the Arizona State Senate; Principal Forecast Planner for Saudi Arabian Parsons, Ltd. (1991-1992); and Fiscal Analyst for the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee (1988-1991).
Mr. McNeil is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and deployed twice to serve in Iraq during over twenty years of military service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics (1983) and Master of Public Administration (1988), both from Arizona State University.
Mr. McNeil’s appointment as Director of ADOA is effective November 1, 2012.
