After Gov. Napolitano appointed Brigadier General Richard G. Maxon to serve as the interim Director of the Arizona State Dept of Veterans’ Services after Patrick Chorpenning resigned amidst the current scandal regarding the conditions of Veterans' homes in the state.

Now, Brigadier General Ronald Shoopman will chair a blue ribbon panel that will conduct a national search for candidates for the job of Director of the Arizona Dept of Veterans Services. The group will holds its 1st meeting next week, and will ultimately recommend 3 candidates to the Governor for her final selection.

General Shoopman is currently President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. In 2004, he retired from the Arizona Air National Guard as Wing Commander, 162nd Fighter Wing-Tucson, the largest Air National Guard Wing in the US. He conducted F-16 pilot training for the US Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves & 20 allied nations.

Also serving on the search team:

General Tom Browning. Since retiring from the Air Force in 1992, Gen. Browning has held a number of leadership positions in the Valley. He's currently president & executive director of Greater Phoenix Leadership, & formerly commanded the 58th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base.

Representative John Nelson. Rep. Nelson's a member of the Az House of Representatives, elected in 2001. He previously served 4 terms as a member of the Phoenix City Council. Rep. Nelson's also a military veteran, 1st Battle Group, 26th Infantry, 1st Division of the US Army.

Colonel H. Webb Ellis. Col. Ellis served in the US Army from 1962 until his retirement in 1992, & spent 10 years of his military career assigned to the Pentagon. He chairs the Arizona Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission & Unified Arizona Veterans.

Rodney B. Lewis. Rod Lewis served in the US Army from 1962 - 1965 achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. Lewis earned a law decree from the University of California at Los Angeles & became the 1st Native American admitted to the State Bar of Arizona. He was the general counsel for the Gila River Indian Community for more than 30 years.

Brenda M. Maloney. Brenda Maloney is a former ER & ICU nurse & Army Nurse Corps Officer. She's an associate at Quarles & Brady, LLP specializing in health care practice. Maloney received her B.S.N from Creighton University, her law degree from University of New Mexico, & her masters degree in health law from St. Louis University.

Melvin I. Brody. Mel Brody entered the US Navy in 1951 & served 3 tours in Korea. He currently serves as Southwest Dept Commander & member of the National Executive Board & Policy Committee of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, & is a member of the Arizona Veterans Memorial Day Cemetery Board. In 2005, he was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

Additional members will be named within the week.