Governor Jan Brewer today announced significant changes among her senior staff. Scott Smith, who currently serves dual roles as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), has been promoted to Chief of Staff. Smith succeeds Eileen Klein, who is departing the Governor’s Office after nearly four years of service to Governor Brewer and her administration. The changes are effective November 9, 2012.
Eileen Klein, is departing to become the President of the Arizona Board of Regents.
Smith will oversee day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office and executive agencies, as well as work closely with Governor Brewer in the development and implementation of her policy agenda.
Smith was behind the Governor’s effort to reform and update Arizona’s personnel system for State employees. Previously, he served Governor Brewer as Director of Legislative Affairs and Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, he served as: Director of State Relations for Arizona State University; Legislative Liaison for the Arizona Department of Corrections; and Legislative Liaison for the Arizona Department of Administration. He began his career as a staff member for the Arizona House of Representatives.
Klein has served as a senior member of the Brewer administration since its beginning. She joined the staff in January 2009 as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, and later was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
Ms. Klein was named Chief of Staff in October 2009. “It’s not easy to put into words what Eileen has meant to my administration,” said Governor Brewer. “She has been at my side through this administration’s darkest times and most gleaming victories, but has never wavered in her dedication and loyalty, nor her belief that the State of Arizona is worth the fight. Her leadership has helped change the direction of the State and prepare for its future. I am grateful for her service and honored to have had the opportunity to work so closely with her during these last four years.”
Prior to joining the Brewer administration, Klein was Chief Operating Officer for Arizona Physicians IPA by UnitedHealthcare. She also served for three years as Vice President of State Affairs, representing all UnitedHealthcare lines of business in government relations and public policy in Arizona, Utah and Idaho. Klein served four House Speakers as chief adviser to the majority leadership, oversaw development of the State budget and directed the House policy team in advancing legislative initiatives and reforms.