NEWS RELEASES

January 20, 1999

For immediate release

Blessing appointed ABOR executive director

The Board of Regents today announced that Linda J. Blessing has been selected as its next Executive Director. Her appointment is effective July 1, 1999.

"The Board is confident that Dr. Blessing's skills and experience provide a close fit with the needs of the Board," said Board President Judy Gignac, who chaired the search committee. "Dr. Blessing has firsthand knowledge of the Arizona University System and also has led the state's largest agency, giving her the experience that will allow her to succeed in this critical position."

Blessing, 47, has served since 1993 as the Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), the largest state agency with more than 9,500 employees and annual resources of $2.5 billion. She previously served as Deputy Executive Director of the Arizona Board of Regents from March 1991 until December 1992. Prior to that, she worked from 1981 to 1991 for the Arizona Auditor General's Office, serving as Deputy Director from 1985-1991. Blessing currently serves as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. She serves on several Boards and Commissions, including the Valley of the Sun United Way, the Governor's Arizona/Mexico Commission and the Governor's Workforce Development Council. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from California Polytechnic University, a Master's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

Blessing's selection concludes the search for a successor to Frank H. Besnette, its current Executive Director, who will be leaving his post on June 30.

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