Gov. Jan Brewer recently announced key changes to her senior staff.
Kathy Peckardt has been named the governor’s deputy chief of staff. Peckardt is transitioning from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), where she has been director of human resources since 2002. Meanwhile, Brian McNeil is rejoining the Brewer administration as director of ADOA. Both staff moves are necessary due to the promotion of Scott Smith to chief of staff. Smith has held a dual role as deputy chief of staff and director of ADOA.
Peckardt has worked for ADOA in a variety of roles since 1984, including as director of human resources over the last decade. In that position this year, she helped lead the governor’s initiative to modernize the state of Arizona’s personnel system. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University. Her appointment is effective Nov. 9.
McNeil’s selection as director of ADOA marks his return to state service and the Brewer administration. He was the governor’s deputy chief of staff for operations from 2009 to 2011, departing last fall to join the private firm Public Policy Partners.
McNeil is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and deployed twice to serve in Iraq during over 20 of military service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. His appointment is effective Nov. 1.
