Governor Janet Napolitano has appointed Flinn Scholar Kris Mayes ('90) to the Corporation Commission. Kris, who served as the governor's press secretary, will replace Jim Irvin, who reportedly resigned last month to avoid facing possible impeachment.

According to reports in the Arizona Republic, the governor did not interview any other candidates for the position. "She has done a fabulous job for me and when people step back and think, they will realize Kris was the logical choice," she said.

Kris told the Republic that she intends to focus on the issue of pipeline safety, working for rural communities and with utility rates for senior citizens. She will be sworn in Monday.

Kris is a graduate of Prescott High School, and graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. While at ASU, she was editor of the State Press and served as an intern with the Johannesburg Star in South Africa, covering political and civil unrest in the days of apartheid.

A Truman Scholar and former Arizona Republic political reporter, Kris also holds a law degree from ASU's College of Law and a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. In 2001, she coauthored "Spin Priests," a book recounting experiences and lessons learned during her coverage of the 2000 presidential campaign for the Republic.

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For more information:

"Gov's spokeswoman now a corporation commissioner," Arizona Republic, 10/02/2003