Will Humble: From Agency Leader to Policy Powerhouse

Will Humble has had a remarkable journey through Arizona’s public health landscape. After decades at the Department of Health Services, including a six-year tenure as director, he transitioned into advocacy. In a recent conversation with Arizona Capitol Times, Humble shared insights into his storied career and his ongoing commitment to public health.

Humble’s initial foray into public health was unexpected. “In my early 20s, I was somewhat directionless,” he admitted. Although he began with a business degree from NAU, a stint at a hardware store made him realize he desired a more meaningful vocation. His passion ignited after attending a guest lecture at ASU’s microbiology program, where the speaker discussed public health topics. “I left that class thinking, ‘This actually sounds interesting,’” he recalled, leading him to pursue his first job as a restaurant inspector.

His trajectory continued upward as he moved into the policy aspect of public health. Following countless inspections, he obtained a Master’s in Public Health from Berkeley and returned to Arizona. “It was around the year 2000 when I began to engage deeply in policy decisions,” he explained. His first major involvement was in infectious disease programs, where he began to track legislative developments closely. One bill—a failed attempt to ban riding in the back of pickup trucks—stuck in his mind, prompting him to consider the complexities of policy-making.

Reflecting on his lengthy career at the Department of Health Services, Humble attributed his longevity to his genuine enjoyment of the work. “Each new position opened up after a few years, allowing for manageable career growth,” he noted. His leadership was characterized by collaboration with talented colleagues. “I had a diverse team, which made the job enjoyable,” he emphasized, mentioning his experiences under Governors Janet Napolitano and Doug Ducey. He ultimately stepped away from the DHS when he sensed a shift in the decision-making process.

Humble now occupies an advocacy role at the Capitol. “For me, policy is a hobby,” he remarked. His unique perspective, informed by years in the executive branch, enables him to influence discussions effectively, even without traditional lobbying clients. “I feel that I’m providing a value-added perspective, and I’m not ready to retire,” he stated, highlighting the freedom and satisfaction his new position offers.

He expressed a desire for better public understanding of state agencies. “During my time, we adhered closely to our statutory authority,” Humble stated. Skepticism about agencies overstepping their bounds often exists, yet he asserted that most state employees genuinely aim to do their jobs well. “Many would appreciate more opportunities to engage with lawmakers,” he noted, advocating for more interaction between legislators and agency staff.

As for his legacy, Humble reflects on two significant achievements during his directorship. He played a crucial role in settling the Arnold v. Sarn lawsuit, which aimed to enhance mental health services for those with severe mental illnesses. Additionally, he led a comprehensive overhaul of regulations for various healthcare facilities in Arizona, ensuring better frameworks than the previous one-dimensional checklists. “What we wrote back in 2013 continues to influence our systems positively today,” he concluded, hopeful about the long-term impact of his work.