“These Arizona leaders hold a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion for our state,” said Governor-Elect Hobbs. “I have every confidence in this team and their ability to take on the challenges and the opportunities we face as we get to work making Arizona the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Key Senior Hires:

Murphy Hebert – Director of Communications
C. Murphy Hebert has made Arizona her home for nearly 30 years. Most recently, she served as the communications director in the Office of the Secretary of State, prior to that she worked at the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and the Arizona State Legislature. She is a proud Sun Devil, who graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She also earned a master’s degree in Political Science from American University.

Sarah Brown – Office of Strategic Planning & Budgeting Director
Sarah Brown currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Director at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, where she has worked since February 2019. Before joining the Secretary of State’s Office, she worked in the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office from 2013-2019 and, prior to that, in corporate finance. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a certificate in diversity and inclusion, and is the chair of the Bring Change to Mind Arizona Council of Advisors.

Tracy Lopes – Director of Policy
Tracy Lopes received her law degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. After graduating law school, she spent many years as an Assistant District Attorney, mainly in the Abuse Crimes Unit. While on a leave of absence, she was a Legal Intern for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. While there, she was awarded a Certificate in International Humanitarian Rights by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Tracy has been a Law Professor and was an Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Economic Security. She received her MS in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University and is currently working on her MSW degree from the same.

Will Gaona – Director of Public Affairs
Will Gaona served as the legislative affairs director for the Arizona Secretary of State from 2019-2022. He has previously worked in municipal government and the nonprofit sector, including stints at Protect Democracy, the ACLU of Arizona, and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Will graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2012 and from the University of Arizona in 2009.

Ben Henderson – Director of Operations
Ben Henderson is a public servant and technocrat who has spent his career helping the government use data, technology, and continuous improvement to be a force for good. He has served as Director of Operations as well as Deputy Budget Director for Colorado Governor Polis, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Arizona Governor Ducey, Chief Operating Officer for the AZ Department of Education under Superintendent Hoffman, and in Economic Development for the City of Phoenix.

Ariel Morin – DEI Director
Ariel Morin has worked for the State of Arizona for 11+ years, serving in positions at DES, DLLC, ADOA, and most recently as the HR Manager with the Secretary of State. Her primary focus is on HR principles, AMS, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She possesses certifications in DEI and Conflict Management. Born and raised in Maryvale, Ariel’s love for her community inspired her to pursue her education in Public Administration and Intercultural Communication.