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NEWS RELEASE |
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NEWS RELEASE |
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Arizona Board of Regents |
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LINDA J. BLESSING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS,
ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT
Linda J. Blessing, Executive Director of the Arizona Board of Regents, today announced her retirement effective June 30, 2004. Dr. Blessing’s service as Executive Director culminates a thirty-year career in public administration in state and local government. She was appointed to this position on July 1, 1999.
In announcing her retirement, Blessing said “ It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to work for the members of the Board of Regents, who tirelessly volunteer their time and talents to enhance higher education for Arizona’s citizens.” She said it was especially gratifying to work with the Regents this past year as they successfully implemented Changing Directions, their multi-year initiative to reform the public university system. Blessing also stated that it has been a wonderful experience to work with the university presidents, indicating that “Arizona is very fortunate to have such outstanding individuals as leaders of its public universities.”
Prior to being named Executive Director, Blessing served for six years as the Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Prior to that, she worked for ten years for the Arizona Auditor General’s Office, serving as Deputy Auditor General from 1985-1991.
Blessing, a Certified Public Accountant, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California Polytechnic University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Arizona State University. She has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Valley of the Sun United Way and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
In response to the announcement, Board President Chris Herstam said “I know that I speak for all of the Regents in saying that we are very sorry to lose Linda. She has made many lasting contributions to higher education and State government, and her leadership was instrumental in the success we achieved with Changing Directions.”
President Herstam complimented Blessing for building an excellent team in the Board office. He further stated “The Board intends to appoint an Executive Director from within the central office of the Board of Regents, which will afford us both strong leadership and continuity as we move forward with our reform efforts.”
Blessing’s immediate plans are to focus on and spend time with family out-of-state. She then plans to pursue other opportunities and interests, including teaching, writing, and consulting.
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Telephone: (602) 229-2500 / Fax: (602) 229-2555