Two of Gov. Doug Ducey’s top aides announced their departures on Thursday. Chief of Staff Daniel Scarpinato and Deputy Chief of Staff Gretchen Conger have both served in the office since the beginning of Governor Ducey’s administration. A few hours later, Ducey named Daniel Ruiz as his new Chief of Staff.
Scarpinato has been named as a partner at Ascent Media, a national full-service advertising and political consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., and Denver, CO.
“Daniel has been a trusted and important part of my team since the beginning,” stated Governor Ducey. “His leadership of our team through challenge after challenge has been critical to our success. I am beyond thankful for his dedication and service from our 2014 transition to my re-election, through COVID and the completion of our most successful legislative session to date. While Daniel is moving on, he will remain a close friend and advisor to our team.”
“Serving in Governor Ducey’s administration has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Scarpinato. “Not only has the Governor been the most phenomenal boss I’ve ever had, but this team is one I’ve been so proud to be part of — dating back from day one, right up until now. They are the best. The past two years in particular have been filled with incredible challenges and major victories, especially this most recent legislative session. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together, excited to see this team continue to serve the state well, and thrilled about this new opportunity.”
Conger will depart Arizona for Arkansas to serve as Senior Advisor to the Sarah Huckabee Sanders campaign. Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary from 2017 to 2019 and is a front-runner in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Ducey commented, “Since 2012, Gretchen has gained the admiration and respect of leaders in public service and with business leaders. Gretchen has been a critical part of the team that has accomplished some of our most important initiatives and reforms, from the expansion of school choice to universal licensing to historic tax cuts. She has been dedicated to getting results for the people of Arizona. While Arizona will certainly miss her, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the State of Arkansas will no doubt benefit from her strategic advice, policy savvy, and dedicated work ethic.”
“I am so appreciative to Governor Ducey for the opportunities he has provided to me as part of his team,” said Conger. “I leave very proud of the work we’ve done and the positive impact we have had on the state of Arizona. I especially want to thank our policy team, who has led the nation on conservative reforms and public policy. It’s difficult to leave Arizona, but I’m excited about the opportunity to work for and learn from Sarah Huckabee Sanders, someone whom I greatly admire.”
Ruiz stated on Twitter, “When @DougDucey asked me to serve as his Chief of Staff, I was honored, humbled & excited. For 6 years I’ve seen his leadership up close. Turning a budget deficit into a surplus, reducing regulations & expanding opportunity, & leading with a steady hand to secure #AZ’s future.”
