Agencies Brace for Turbulent Confirmations as Directors Face Uphill Battles

The upcoming 2025 legislative session will see nineteen state agency directors requiring confirmation, with their paths likely varying in difficulty. Some nominees are expected to advance smoothly, while others may face significant challenges before the Senate Committee on Director Nominations.

This situation arose after a contentious confirmation process in 2023 resulted in legal disputes in 2024. In response, Governor Katie Hobbs and Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, agreed to defer Hobbs’ remaining appointees back to the Legislature for confirmation. Many of these directors were strategically rebranded as “executive deputy directors” following roadblocks created by committee chair Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek.

As Hoffman resumes his role in the committee, the fate of reappointed nominees remains uncertain. Four state agencies are still without permanent leaders, but new nominees are expected to be officially proposed by Hobbs in the first week of the session.

Those previously serving as executive deputy directors may now confront rigorous questioning. Recent scandals and criticisms facing several state agencies heighten expectations for thorough examinations during the hearings.

The committee will consist of a mix of Republican and Democratic members, including Sens. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, and John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, alongside Democratic Sens. Flavio Bravo and Analise Ortiz, both representing Phoenix.

Several nominees already face challenges due to their past interactions with the committee. Joan Serviss from the Department of Housing and Elizabeth Thorson of the Department of Administration encountered heavy scrutiny in 2023.

Critics accused Serviss of plagiarizing during her tenure at the Arizona Housing Coalition, and she defended her actions as standard practice among advocacy groups. Meanwhile, an auditor general’s report found the ADOH inadvertently sent $2 million to scammers, drawing notable backlash from Republicans.

Thorson was sidelined from consideration after a tense session focused heavily on abortion-related queries. The Department of Administration plays a pivotal role in human resources for the state and manages essential services including employee benefits and building maintenance.

And then there’s Jennie Cunico of the Department of Health Services, whose appointment went unexamined in 2023 due to the rejection of her predecessor. Cunico could face intensified questioning regarding agency actions during her service, particularly about slow responses to legislation affecting food vendors and recommendations regarding firearms in homes with children.

Cynthia Zwick, director of the Residential Utility Consumer Office, could also encounter difficulties—even though Republican opposition has not been formally expressed. Discontent from Republican commissioners regarding RUCO’s recent positions indicates potential challenges ahead.

A significant void remains for the Department of Child Services, having seen numerous incidents and criticisms in 2024. Factors include a troubling report on child welfare and accusations related to a pay-to-play scheme, all of which suggest the incoming nominee must be adept at navigating controversy.

The Departments of Environmental Quality and Veterans Services, and the Office of Tourism, also still require new leadership. Prior appointees were controversial and contributed to legislative discord last year.

The previous executive deputy director for tourism, Lisa Urias, resigned amid allegations of conflicts of interest tied to a costly rebranding initiative, further complicating the committee’s considerations.

In contrast, some of Hobbs’ appointees are expected to glide through confirmation due to nonpartisan agency roles or past approvals. For instance, Angie Rodgers of the Department of Economic Security received a nod in early 2023, albeit without a full Senate vote.

Among the 19 appointees under consideration, 14 have not previously faced committee hearings. Notably, several of these nominees, including directors from the Department of Gaming and the Arizona Lottery, lead agencies that have remained largely uncontroversial.

Despite the lack of prior pushback from Republicans, Hoffman has indicated a stern approach moving forward. He emphasized the need for qualified, nonpartisan nominees and cautioned against mere approvals for unqualified candidates.

All nominees will need to secure confirmation in the 2025 session, as mandated by state law and the agreement reached between Governor Hobbs and Senator Petersen.