Information
about becoming a member of a
State Board or Commission
What
is an Arizona State Board or Commission?
A Board or Commission is an independent body consisting of members
who are appointed by public officials, usually the Governor. Boards
with Gubernatorial appointments are created in two ways, either
by statute enacted in the State Legislature, or by a Governor’s
Executive Order.
There are two types of boards and commissions: regulatory and
advisory. Regulatory boards are those that oversee the licensing,
handle complaints, and enforce disciplinary actions of individuals
or industries that fall within the jurisdiction of the board’s
authority. For example, a complaint filed by a patient against
a physician would be reviewed, investigated, and appropriately
acted upon by the Arizona Medical Board. The second type of board
or commission, the advisory board, develops policy and makes recommendations
to public officials on how to address specific issues. For example,
the Civil Rights Advisory Board investigates and holds hearings
on infringements of Arizona civil rights laws and then advises
the civil rights division of the Attorney General’s Office.
How
many Boards and Commissions does the State of Arizona have?
Currently
there are 266 active boards and commissions in Arizona with gubernatorial
appointees. These Boards cover a wide variety of topics from education
to the environment to oversized commercial vehicles.
Who
can serve on an Arizona State Board or Commission?
The Arizona Constitution defines the basic qualification for appointment
to a State Board or Commission as: an individual must be a resident
of Arizona and be at least 18 years of age. Most boards have more
specific requirements that are described in the legislation or
executive order by which they were created. For example, the State
Board of Accountancy has seven members: five of which must be
licensed by the State of Arizona as a Certified Public Accountant,
one public accountant, and one public member who does not hold
an accounting certificate.
Why
would I want to be a member of an Arizona State Board or Commission?
Appointment to a board or commission gives citizens of Arizona
an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the governance
of the State. Board members help shape the future of Arizona by
lending their experience, judgment, and expertise.
What
time commitment is expected of a board member?
Time commitment varies depending on the board. Most boards meet
once a month for four to six hours, with some additional preparatory
work required. However, there are many boards that meet quarterly
or even as little as twice a year. Most Board members serve terms
that range from two to seven years for most boards and commissions,
while other members serve ‘At the pleasure’ of the Governor.
Are
board members compensated?
Compensation varies according to statute, however most boards
offer travel reimbursements and/or a small per diem.
How
do I become a member of a State Board or Commission?
To be considered for a gubernatorial appointment to a State Board
or Commission an application must be submitted along with a current
resume. You can apply online at Governor Napolitano’s web page www.governor.state.az.us/bc/default.htm,
or you can contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions
at (602) 542 2449 to have an application mailed to you.
The application provides a space where you may list the boards
in which you are interested. A vacancy list is available on the
Governor’s web page, www.governor.state.az.us/bc/default.htm,
which is updated monthly with current board positions.
If you need more information you may call the Governor’s Office
of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542 2449 or 1 (800) 253 0883
Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
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