Payne, Kiel, and Kuykendall Step Up to Strengthen Yavapai College Board

Toby Payne and Bill Kiel were officially sworn into their roles on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board on December 18. The ceremony, conducted by Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter, marked a significant moment for the local education community.

Payne, who has been on the board since March 2023, ran unopposed in the upcoming 2024 election. He represents various communities including Sedona, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale, strengthening local educational leadership.

Kiel, meanwhile, secured his position by defeating long-time board member Ray Sigafoos in the November election. He will serve the southwestern Prescott area and parts of Yavapai County, bringing a fresh perspective to the board.

Additionally, on December 17, Patrick Kuykendall was appointed to the Governing Board for District 4. His district encompasses north Prescott and surrounding areas, such as Chino Valley and Paulden. Kuykendall’s background is rooted deeply in the community, having attended Prescott Unified School District and graduated from Prescott High School.

His experiences are extensive; Kuykendall served in the U.S. Army for four years and continued with the Arizona Army National Guard for 18 more, including a deployment during the Gulf War. His military career concluded in 2005 with the rank of first sergeant.

After his military service, Kuykendall transitioned to various impactful roles, including executive director for the California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and later as Arizona’s State Veterans Manager. His work now involves collaboration with the Yavapai Community College Regional Economic Development Center.

In related news, Superintendent Carter announced that board member Chris Kuknyo resigned effective December 31, as he prepares to take a position on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors starting January 1. This has prompted a search for a new nonpartisan member to fill Kuknyo’s remaining two-year term.

Before the upcoming application deadline, three candidates submitted their qualifications for consideration. The selection process, conducted by a candidate review committee, engaged local community members, including representatives from various sectors like taxpayers, students, and college faculty. This collaborative effort aims to identify the most suitable candidate for the board.

The committee was instrumental in reviewing candidate materials, formulating interview questions, and providing Carter with a comprehensive evaluation of the finalists. After a series of interviews on December 13, one candidate withdrew citing time constraints, leaving two for final consideration.

Superintendent Carter also created opportunities for residents to communicate their preferences, ensuring community input in the selection process. On December 16, he hosted a public meeting for individuals to engage directly about the appointment.

Kuykendall’s swearing-in ceremony took place on December 17 at the Yavapai County Education Service Agency. His current term will last until December 31, 2026, and he has expressed a desire to run for a full six-year term in the upcoming election cycle.