Former Gilbert Mayor and Horizon Strategies CEO, Jenn Daniels, has taken the reins as the new chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board. Daniels, appointed in 2020 to serve the interests of District 1, will now be heading the board which plays a key role in shaping the state's transportation policy and funding priorities. The board's advisory capacity extends to the Arizona Department of Transportation, where decisions made can significantly impact the lives of Arizonans, their businesses and tourism.
"Transportation is the state’s largest ongoing investment and impacts every Arizonan, every business, and every visitor," Daniels was quoted as saying in an Arizona Department of Transportation's official announcement. Daniels' vision for the board includes striking a balance between meeting Arizona's immediate and future transportation needs, ensuring that "in every interaction, the public is heard, seen and valued". With her experience on various regional boards, including the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Commerce Authority, Daniels brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Successor to Richard Searle, who chaired the board through 2024, Daniels is joined by Ted Maxwell, the new vice-chair hailing from Pima County. Maxwell, with his leadership role at the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, was appointed to the Transportation Board in 2021 and is expected to bring his expertise to the forefront of the board's initiatives.
The State Transportation Board, composed of seven members, is a policy-making body with far-reaching influence over Arizona's transportation infrastructure. Each member, nominated by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate for a six-year term, holds a position of significant responsibility. The board's remit includes the development and supervision of the state's Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program—a testament to their critical role in shaping Arizona's future landscapes.
