Changes Made In The Napolitano Administration

Gov. Napolitano has accepted the resignation of Arizona Dept. of Real Estate Commissioner Elaine Richardson. Richardson, plans to retire to Tucson to pursue personal goals, has served as Commissioner for the duration of Gov. Napolitano’s 1st term. Prior to her appointment, she was a member of the Arizona State Legislature for 10 years.

The Governor hasn't yet named a replacement for Richardson. Richard C. Simmonds, who's served the Commission for more than a decade, will act as Interim Commissioner.

Gov. Napolitano has appointed Jerry Oliver, Sr. to be the new Director of the Az. Dept. of Liquor Licenses & Control. Oliver replaces Leesa Berens Morrison, who has been named Director of the Arizona Dept. of Homeland Security last week.

The Governor has also named Kristin Almquist to head the Governor’s Southern Az. Office, replacing Jan Lesher, who now heads the Arizona Dept. of Commerce. Almquist currently serves as the Director of Community Development for Habitat for Humanity in Tucson.