Leadership

The Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs consists of nine governor-appointed members, executive leaders from eight key state agencies, and a dedicated operational staff. Together, our experienced professionals and passionate community leaders work tirelessly to advocate for and empower the African-American community across Arizona, addressing unique challenges and driving meaningful opportunities for growth and equity.

Executive Staff

Jerry J. McPherson

Executive Director

Brandy Ervin

Executive Assistant

Appointed Commissioners

Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and serve three-year terms.

Ashley Anderson

President, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals

Col. Jeffrey Glover

Director, Department of Public Safety

Jimmy Hart

CEO, Hart Global Industries

Hon. Berdetta Hodge

Tempe City Council Member and Tempe Union High School District Governing Board President

Hon. Khara House

Flagstaff City Council Member

Jackie Johnson

Diversity Director, City of Scottsdale

Dianne Post

Attorney

Robbie Sherwood

Communications Director, Arizona House of Representatives

Dr. Tonya Strozier

Educational leader and transformer, Scholar Practitioner, Author, and Adjunct Professor

Ex-Officio Commissioners

The executive (or their appointed representative) of each agency serves as an Ex-Officio Commissioner.

Governor Katie Hobbs

Governor

Tanesha Charity, MPA

Executive Office to Deputy Director Teresa Welborn

Jennifer Cunico

Director, Department Of Health Services

Tonya Hamilton

Director, Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family

Art Harding

Department of Education, Chief Operations Officer

Hon. Leah Landrum Taylor

Assistant Director, Office of Community Engagement, Department of Economic Security

Kris Mayes

Attorney General

Alix Skelpsa Ridgway

Interim Director, Office of Tourism

Sandra Watson

President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority