TO: EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS

DATE: April 9, 1999

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Perry Baker (602) 542-0844

COMMISSION APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

With a unanimous vote, the members of the Arizona Corporation Commission have appointed Brian C. McNeil to the position of Executive Secretary, the position responsible for providing overall agency management.

McNeil is currently serving as the Deputy Director for Policy and Budget in the Department of Health Services, where he is responsible for administering an annual budget in excess of $600 million, as well as supervising intergovernmental relations, public information and agency rules development. McNeil previously served as Senior Policy Advisor for health and human services issues for the Governor's Office, and from 1992 to 1996, he served as an advisor and Chief Operating Officer in the Arizona State Senate.

McNeil received his Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University in 1988, a Bachelors of Science in economics from ASU in 1983, and currently serves as Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, 104th Area Support Group. He has received numerous honors for his scholastic achievements in the U.S. Army Airborne School and the U.S. Army Military Police School.

Commission Chairman Jim Irvin, commenting on the appointment, said, "Mr. McNeil demonstrated he has the skills and professionalism that we have been looking for to help lead this agency. I am looking forward to working with him on the many challenges and important issues that will soon be facing us."

Commissioner Tony West stated, "I am delighted with the appointment of Mr. McNeil. He has the competency, professionalism and leadership to significantly move the Commission forward in a positive direction." West further stated that he was, "Deeply gratified that all three Commissioners agreed upon McNeil's selection. The unanimous vote shows that everyone is committed to improving this agency at all levels."

Commissioner Carl Kunasek said that, "The citizens of Arizona are fortunate to have a person of Brian McNeil's caliber working in state government. The qualifications and experience Brian brings to this institution will prove invaluable in making this agency work."

McNeil will begin his new duties in approximately four weeks, after completing some of the current major projects he is involved with at the Department of Health Services.

The three Commissioners also expressed their gratitude to Stuart Brackney, Deputy Executive Secretary, for serving as the acting Executive Secretary since January. They noted his "positive and outstanding leadership" during a busy and important time for the agency. Brackney also serves as the Director of the Administration Division for the agency.

Brian McNeil will be paid a salary of $96,000 annually.