The 2024 Board of Directors


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Lawrence F. Winthrop is currently a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2002, he was in private practice, and primarily involved in the representation of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. He obtained his undergraduate degree in History from Whittier College in 1974, and then graduated magna cum laude from California Western School of Law. Judge Winthrop has been elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates, is a past-president of the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and has worked closely in the past with non-profit community organizations such as the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Arizona Tax Research Association and the Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center. Hon. Lawrence F. Winthrop, President - is currently a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2002, he was in private practice, and primarily involved in the representation of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. He obtained his undergraduate degree in History from Whittier College in 1974, and then graduated magna cum laude from California Western School of Law. Judge Winthrop has been elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates, is a past-president of the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and has worked closely in the past with non-profit community organizations such as the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Arizona Tax Research Association and the Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center.
George Lyons began his law career at Snell & Wilmer, where he worked for 28 years before starting his own practice. As a senior partner, he practiced as trial counsel in personal injury litigation, commercial litigation, and public utility litigation. Mr. Lyons is admitted to practice in Arizona and various federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Maricopa County Bar Association, State Bar of Arizona, American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Arizona Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ). George Lyons, President-Elect – began his law career at Snell & Wilmer, where he practiced law as trial counsel in personal injury litigation, commercial litigation, and public utility litigation for 28 years before starting his own law firm. He obtained his undergraduate degree in English from St. Francis College and his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1972. Mr. Lyons is admitted to practice in Arizona and various federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, Maricopa County Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and Attorney’s Information Exchange Group. Mr. Lyons was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2003. Mr. Lyons was past-president and member of Community Legal Services, former member of the Hearing Committee of the Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Arizona, and former member of the Committee on Rules of Professional Conduct for the State Bar of Arizona.
Christina Urias was appointed Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance by Governor Napolitano in November, 2003. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Urias was a partner at the law firm of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C. Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Urias worked in the insurance industry as a property and casualty claims representative. A member of a seventh generation Tucson pioneer family, she is also fluent in Spanish. She received her B.A in philosophy (With Distinction) from the University of Arizona and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arizona College of Law (1988). Ms. Urias clerked for then Chief Justice Frank X. Gordon, Jr., of the Arizona Supreme Court from 1988-1989. Christina Urias, Vice President - was appointed Director of the Arizona Department of Insurance by Governor Napolitano in November, 2003. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Urias was a partner at the law firm of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C. Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Urias worked in the insurance industry as a property and casualty claims representative. A member of a seventh generation Tucson pioneer family, she is also fluent in Spanish. She received her B.A in philosophy (With Distinction) from the University of Arizona and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arizona College of Law (1988). Ms. Urias clerked for then Chief Justice Frank X. Gordon, Jr., of the Arizona Supreme Court from 1988-1989.
Randall Papetti is an AV-rated lawyer and the Chair of the firm's Commercial Litigation Group. He clerked for the Honorable Robert C. Broomfield of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona from 1992-94. He is the Chair of the Antitrust Section of the State Bar of Arizona. Mr. Papetti is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of StandUp for Kids. StandUp for Kids is a national organization dedicated to helping homeless and street kids. Randall Papetti, Treasurer - is an AV-rated lawyer and the Chair of the firm's Commercial Litigation Group. He clerked for the Honorable Robert C. Broomfield of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona from 1992-94. He is the Chair of the Antitrust Section of the State Bar of Arizona. Mr. Papetti is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of StandUp for Kids. StandUp for Kids is a national organization dedicated to helping homeless and street kids.
Brad Gazaway is the Vice President and Corporate Counsel for The Dial Corporation, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to joining Dial in 2003, Brad was a Corporate and Securities attorney with the law firm of Snell & Wilmer LLP from 1998-2003. Brad graduated in 1992 from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, and in 1998 from the University of Iowa Law School, Iowa City, IA. Brad Gazaway, Secretary - is the Vice President and Corporate Counsel for The Dial Corporation, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to joining Dial in 2003, Brad was a Corporate and Securities attorney with the law firm of Snell & Wilmer LLP from 1998-2003. Brad graduated in 1992 from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, and in 1998 from the University of Iowa Law School, Iowa City, IA.
Matthew P. Feeney is a partner with Snell & Wilmer and serves as co- leader for the firm's Business and Finance practice group and as a member of the firm's Executive Committee. His practice is concentrated in corporate law, and he joined Snell & Wilmer in 1983 after graduating from Notre Dame Law School. He has been actively involved with the American Bar Association, including serving as a member of the Commission on Interest on Lawyer's Trust Accounts and as Co-Chair of the Committee on Prototype Limited Liability Company Legislation. He currently is a member of the Committee of Corporate Governance of the ABA's Business Law Section, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph the Worker Job Service. Matthew P. Feeney, Past President - is a partner with Snell & Wilmer and serves as co- leader for the firm's Business and Finance practice group and as a member of the firm's Executive Committee. His practice is concentrated in corporate law, and he joined Snell & Wilmer in 1983 after graduating from Notre Dame Law School. He has been actively involved with the American Bar Association, including serving as a member of the Commission on Interest on Lawyer's Trust Accounts and as Co-Chair of the Committee on Prototype Limited Liability Company Legislation. He currently is a member of the Committee of Corporate Governance of the ABA's Business Law Section, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph the Worker Job Service.
Dan Bagatell is a partner and Co-Chair of the Appellate Practice Group of the law firm of Perkins Coie Brown & Bain. His practice focuses on patent and other commercial litigation, with an emphasis on appeals. Dan also serves on the Legal Services Committee of the Foundation, the Legal Services Committee of the Arizona State Bar, and the Board of Directors of the Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project. Dan Bagatell - Dan Bagatell is a partner and Co-Chair of the Appellate Practice Group of the law firm of Perkins Coie Brown & Bain. His practice focuses on patent and other commercial litigation, with an emphasis on appeals. Dan also serves on the Legal Services Committee of the Foundation, the Legal Services Committee of the Arizona State Bar, and the Board of Directors of the Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project.
Hon. Thomas J. Berning is the City Court Magistrate for the City of Tucson. Judge Berning has been practicing law for almost 30 years and has been devoted to public service, primarily providing legal services to low income people and persons with disabilities. He has worked with urban, rural, Native American and immigrant communities. Prior to becoming city court magistrate in 2006, he served as Executive Director for Southern Arizona Legal Aid. He also served on the board for the Arizona Center for Disability Law. He currently contributes content for the AZLawHelp.org website and is a volunteer for Casa Maria. He graduated in 1975 from Arizona State University and in 1978 from University of Arizona. Hon. Thomas J. Berning - is the City Court Magistrate for the City of Tucson. Judge Berning has been practicing law for almost 30 years and has been devoted to public service, primarily providing legal services to low income people and persons with disabilities. He has worked with urban, rural, Native American and immigrant communities. Prior to becoming city court magistrate in 2006, he served as Executive Director for Southern Arizona Legal Aid. He also served on the board for the Arizona Center for Disability Law. He currently contributes content for the AZLawHelp.org website and is a volunteer for Casa Maria. He graduated in 1975 from Arizona State University and in 1978 from University of Arizona.
Jeffrey Brodin Jeffrey Brodin - is Director of HR Business Partners at Arizona Public Service Company ("APS"), Arizona's principal electric energy supplier. APS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, a Fortune 500 diversified energy company with 7,200 employees, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to his current HR management role, Mr. Brodin was a Senior Attorney at Pinnacle West, responsible for the areas of labor, employment, and benefits. He has more than 20 years of employment law experience in both law firm and in-house law practice.

Mr. Brodin is very involved in community activities, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Brodin is presently serving on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, and has served as Board Chair for the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Brodin completed the Stanford Executive Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2008. He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and his B.A., magna cum laude, from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois.

Benjamin Clark Benjamin Clark
Scott Evans is a litigation & bankruptcy support specialist and a licensed CPA in Arizona and California. Scott has extensive experience in calculating lost profit damages, forensic accounting investigations and bankruptcy consulting, among other areas. Scott also has expert witness testimony experience. Scott is an Associate Director with Navigant Consulting Inc. and has worked for two of the 'Big 4' accounting firms in the audit and dispute and investigation departments. Scott Evans - is a litigation & bankruptcy support specialist and a licensed CPA in Arizona and California. Scott has extensive experience in calculating lost profit damages, forensic accounting investigations and bankruptcy consulting, among other areas. Scott also has expert witness testimony experience. Scott is an Associate Director with Navigant Consulting Inc. and has worked for two of the "Big 4" accounting firms in the audit and dispute and investigation departments.
Tom Giallanza is Assistant Superintendent for the State of Arizona Department of Financial Institutions. Prior to moving to Arizona, he served as general counsel for a national real estate developer and later as manager of a national business unit for a major title company. Tom earned his B.S. and J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago and is admitted to the Illinois bar. He is a member of the St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix.Tom Giallanza - is Assistant Superintendent for the State of Arizona Department of Financial Institutions. Prior to moving to Arizona, he served as general counsel for a national real estate developer and later as manager of a national business unit for a major title company. Tom earned his B.S. and J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago and is admitted to the Illinois bar. He is a member of the St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix.
Rodney GlassmanRodney Glassman - is the City of Tucson Ward 2 Council Member and is a graduate of The University of Arizona five times over. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics, his Masters of Business Administration as well as his Masters of Public Administration from the Eller College of Management. In 2005 Rodney completed his PhD in Arid Land Resource Science from The University of Arizona. He has published award-winning research both nationally and internationally in the area of agricultural education and hands-on learning. Just weeks after his election to the Tucson City Council in 2007, Rodney graduated with his J.D. from the James E. Rogers College of Law at The University of Arizona. Rodney joined the Arizona Bar in the summer of 2008.

Professionally, Rodney currently works as a financial advisor at Wachovia Securities, which is owned by Wells Fargo Bank. He has experience in small business and also holds an Arizona Real Estate license. He has consulted in the area of community development, relationship building, and charitable giving for companies in Tucson, and previously served on the Advisory Board for the Bank of Tucson. Rodney served from 2002-2006 as a legislative aide for Congressman Raúl Grijalva, focusing on business and agriculture in the Washington, D.C. and Tucson congressional offices.
Comm. Frank Johnson, Jr. - is a Superior Court Commissioner for Maricopa County. Comm. Johnson's major area of law practice is criminal and juvenile. He has recruited and trained new attorneys to apply for jobs in the public sector. Comm. Johnson graduated from University of Michigan in 1988 and from Detroit College of Law in 1991. Comm. Frank Johnson, Jr. - is a Superior Court Commissioner for Maricopa County. Comm. Johnson's major area of law practice is criminal and juvenile. He has recruited and trained new attorneys to apply for jobs in the public sector. Comm. Johnson graduated from University of Michigan in 1988 and from Detroit College of Law in 1991.
Mik JordahlMikkel Jordahl
Faith KlepperFaith C. Klepper - practices civil litigation at Calderón Law Offices in Phoenix. Prior to joining Calderón Law Offices, she served as a deputy county attorney with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office from 2001-2004 and a deputy public defender with the Maricopa County Public Defender from 1998-2001. Faith currently serves as Editorial Chair of the Arizona Attorney magazine and previously served on the board of directors for DNA-People's Legal Services and the Maricopa County Bar Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her law degree from Arizona State University.
Kathryn Krecke is Associate Vice President and General Counsel for the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Previously, Kathy served ConocoPhillips in a number of capacities, including managing counsel for its retail marketing division , manager of retirement plans and employment practices, and senior litigation and risk management counsel. She has also been partner with the law firm of Mariscal, Weeks, McIntyre & Friedlander, P.A., where she was engaged in general civil and commercial litigation matters from 1987 to 1995. Kathryn Krecke - is Associate Vice President and General Counsel for the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Previously, Kathy served ConocoPhillips in a number of capacities, including managing counsel for its retail marketing division , manager of retirement plans and employment practices, and senior litigation and risk management counsel. She has also been partner with the law firm of Mariscal, Weeks, McIntyre & Friedlander, P.A., where she was engaged in general civil and commercial litigation matters from 1987 to 1995.
Todd F. Lang Todd F. Lang - is the Executive Director of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, a state agency that administers the Citizens Clean Elections Act (ACT). In his role, Todd is charged with leading a team to continue the progress that has been established since the Act's inception in 1998. Mr. Lang has direct experience with state campaign finance and election laws and programs as well as federal campaign finance laws and the U.S. Constitution. Previously, Todd served as Chief Counsel for the Consumer Litigation Unit at the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. Prior to that, he spent 2003-2004 as a Visiting Clinical Professor at the Arizona State University School of Law. Mr. Lang's previous experience includes three years as an election law attorney serving as the counsel for the Arizona Clean Elections Commission. In that position, Todd successfully argued before the Arizona Supreme Court in defense of the Clean Elections Act. Mr. Lang spent the first seven years of this legal career as a legal services attorney and litigated against slumlords and on behalf of victims of consumer fraud. Todd currently serves on the Board of Directors of Community Legal Services. He also has taught several CLE programs on consumer finance fraud, landlord/tenant law, and election law. Additionally, he is past chair of the State Bar Legal Services Committee and Co-President of the Lorna Lockwood Inn of Court, and a past Co-Chair of the State Bar Convention Committee and past-Chair of the State Bar Public Lawyers Committee. He was named by the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) as the "Tenant Rights Advocate of the Year" in 2005. He was also named by the State Bar Foundation for Legal Services and Education as one of the "Top Pro-Bono lawyers of the Year" in 2005 and 2006. Todd graduated from the Cornell University College of Law in 1993.

Patrick McWhortor has worked as the state director and national access director at Libraries for the Future and worked on education and environmental issues at the Arizona legislature. He's also taught public policy, political science and computer courses at ASU and Maricopa County Community Colleges. McWhortor has served on various nonprofit boards, including Kids Voting Arizona and the Organization for Nonprofit Executives (ONE), among others. He is a Valley Leadership graduate and holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in public administration from ASU. Patrick McWhortor - Patrick McWhortor has worked as the state director and national access director at Libraries for the Future and worked on education and environmental issues at the Arizona legislature. He's also taught public policy, political science and computer courses at ASU and Maricopa County Community Colleges. McWhortor has served on various nonprofit boards, including Kids Voting Arizona and the Organization for Nonprofit Executives (ONE), among others. He is a Valley Leadership graduate and holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in public administration from ASU.
Robin R. Mitchell is an attorney for the Arizona Commission Corporation. She has been a practicing attorney for almost 25 years and her major areas of law practice are utility, labor, employment and employee benefits. Ms. Mitchell is admitted to practice in Arizona, Florida and Texas. She has been involved in the Volunteer Lawyers Program and has also served as a counselor for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. She graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in history and received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University. Robin R. Mitchell - is an attorney for the Arizona Commission Corporation. She has been a practicing attorney for almost 25 years and her major areas of law practice are utility, labor, employment and employee benefits. Ms. Mitchell is admitted to practice in Arizona, Florida and Texas. She has been involved in the Volunteer Lawyers Program and has also served as a counselor for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. She graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in history and received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University.

Kahryn E. Nix is owner of Driver and Nix, Court Reporters. She is a member and past president of the Arizona Court Reporters Association, and a member of the National Court Reporters Association and currently serves on the Court Reporting Advisory Committee of GateWay Community College. Kahryn is a member and past president of the Board of Directors of Greater Phoenix Youth At Risk. Kahryn also sits on the Board of Directors of Social Venture Partners, the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, and Youth Re:Action Corps, and is a founding member of Women Helping Women, a global giving circle, a member of Women in Senate and House, a Republican women's group, the Arizona State Clemency Board Appointments Committee, and the Judicial Peer Review Committee for the Maricopa County Superior Court. Kahryn E. Nix - is owner of Driver and Nix, Court Reporters. She is a member and past president of the Arizona Court Reporters Association, and a member of the National Court Reporters Association and currently serves on the Court Reporting Advisory Committee of GateWay Community College. Kahryn is a member and past president of the Board of Directors of Greater Phoenix Youth At Risk. Kahryn also sits on the Board of Directors of Social Venture Partners, the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, and Youth Re:Action Corps, and is a founding member of Women Helping Women, a global giving circle, a member of Women in Senate and House, a Republican women's group, the Arizona State Clemency Board Appointments Committee, and the Judicial Peer Review Committee for the Maricopa County Superior Court.
No image availableHon. Patricia A. Orozco - was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology in 1977 from the University of Arizona. In 1986, she returned to school to earn her law degree. She graduated from the University of Arizona, College of Law in 1989. In 1991 Patricia moved to Yuma to work for a small firm. In 1994, she opened her own law practice and served as Judge Pro Tem for the Cocopah Tribal Court for 5 years. In February, 1999 she was appointed by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, as the Yuma County Attorney. She served in this position until December 2004, when she was appointed by Governor Napolitano to the Court of Appeals, Division 1.
Helen PurcellHelen Purcell - was recently elected to her sixth term as Maricopa County Recorder. She is responsible for recording and maintaining for permanent public record 5,000 to 8,000 documents per day and maintaining voter registration rolls for over 1,700,000 registered voters. She is responsible for administering the Elections Department which conducts all national, state and countywide elections and provides support for cities, towns, school districts, special districts and other jurisdictions. Ms. Purcell is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties (NACo), Kids Voting-Arizona and a board member of Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, serving as its Secretary. At NACo she chairs the Member Programs and Services Committee. She serves as a member of the Advisory Board to the U.S.Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) and the Technical Guidlines Development Committee which recommends guidelines for future Election systems in the United States. Ms. Purcell was appointed by Governor Napalitano to the Electronic Recording Commission, serving as chair with members from the Recorders' Association, the Arizona Bar Association and the Ttitle Insurance Community. Her office has received numerous awards including the National Kids Voting Excellence Award, "Best Practice" award from the National Association of Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks and after nomination by Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Computer Corp. the departments' Vote by Mail Technology became part of the 2000 Computerworld Smithsonian collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The office has processed over 1,000,000 every year since 1999, reaching over one and one/half million in 2004.
Roxanne K. Song Ong was appointed as the Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court in November of 2005 and is the first woman and first ethnic minority to hold the position. She has served as a judge for the Phoenix Municipal Court since 1991, was appointed as the Assistant Presiding Judge in October 2000 and was a judge for the Scottsdale City Court from 1986-1991. Judge Song Ong also serves as Chair to the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Education and Training, the Chair of the Arizona Supreme Court's Commission on Minorities, the Arizona Supreme Court Publications Committee, and is an officer with the Arizona Minority Judges' Caucus. Hon. Roxanne K. Song Ong - was appointed as the Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court in November of 2005 and is the first woman and first ethnic minority to hold the position. She has served as a judge for the Phoenix Municipal Court since 1991, was appointed as the Assistant Presiding Judge in October 2000 and was a judge for the Scottsdale City Court from 1986-1991. Judge Song Ong also serves as Chair to the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Education and Training, the Chair of the Arizona Supreme Court's Commission on Minorities, the Arizona Supreme Court Publications Committee, and is an officer with the Arizona Minority Judges' Caucus.
Jeff Willis graduated from NAU in 1972 and Washington & Lee University School of Law in 1975. He was first elected to the Board of Governors in 2002 and reelected in 2004, and served as a member of the State Bar Convention Planning Committee in 1999 and 2000, and on the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee from 1984 to 1992 and 1998 to 2004. Mr. Willis served as President of the FBA Tucson Chapter; was on the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Executive Committee; and has been active in the ABA Section of Litigation for almost twenty years. Jeffery Willis - graduated from NAU in 1972 and Washington & Lee University School of Law in 1975. He was first elected to the Board of Governors in 2002 and reelected in 2004, and served as a member of the State Bar Convention Planning Committee in 1999 and 2000, and on the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee from 1984 to 1992 and 1998 to 2004. Mr. Willis served as President of the FBA Tucson Chapter; was on the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Executive Committee; and has been active in the ABA Section of Litigation for almost twenty years.
Kevin S. Ruegg, Ph.D. has over twenty years with working with nonprofit organizations serving those most marginalized in our society. Currently she serves as the CEO/Executive Director for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, Inc. In addition to her administration of nonprofit agencies, she has lent her expertise to mentoring numerous small nonprofit organizations to build their capacity; increase volunteer involvement; and create quality assurance processes. She has been recognized for building collaborative efforts and has presented at National Conferences regarding both statewide cadres and University & Community partnership programs which she assisted in developing. Kevin has a doctoral degree in Applied Management and Decision Sciences. Her Masters is in Human Resource Development and she holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Theology. Kevin S. Ruegg, Ph.D., Ex officio - has over twenty years with working with nonprofit organizations serving those most marginalized in our society. Currently she serves as the CEO/Executive Director for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, Inc. In addition to her administration of nonprofit agencies, she has lent her expertise to mentoring numerous small nonprofit organizations to build their capacity; increase volunteer involvement; and create quality assurance processes. She has been recognized for building collaborative efforts and has presented at National Conferences regarding both statewide cadres and University & Community partnership programs which she assisted in developing. Kevin has a doctoral degree in Applied Management and Decision Sciences. Her Masters is in Human Resource Development and she holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Theology.


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