Former House speaker appointed to Board of Regents

Mark W. Killian, former speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, has been appointed as the newest member of the Arizona Board of Regents.

Gov. Jan Brewer announced Killian’s appointment last week during a regents meeting at ASU-West. Pending approval by the Arizona Senate, Killian will replace outgoing member Robert Bulla.

“Mark is a well-known and highly regarded public leader who understands the critical role that education serves in my priorities of job growth and business recruitment,” Brewer said in her announcement. “Mark brings to the board years of leadership experience in both the private and public sector.”

Killian is a long-time Mesa resident who works in a family-owned real estate development and management business and is managing partner in family ranching and farming operations in Arizona and New Mexico.

He is former director of the Arizona Department of Revenue and served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 14 years. His leadership positions in the House included majority leader, speaker of the House and chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and Public Institutions Committee.

“I’m flattered and humbled by this appointment,” Killian said. “I’ve always thought highly of the people who served on the board, and I am grateful to the governor for showing confidence in me.”

He added that the difficult economic climate means the board must rely on the universities’ brain power.

“I’ve seen tough times before, and I’m no stranger to making tough decisions,” Killian said. “I don’t see this as a challenge so much as an opportunity to use the collective wisdom of the universities.”

ABOR President Ernest Calderón praised the governor’s appointee. “Governor Brewer has made another excellent appointment to the board,” he said. “Mark is an astute businessman and knows the ins and outs of the legislative process. His combined private and public sector experience will be a great value to the board and the citizens of Arizona.”

Earlier in January, Brewer appointed Rick Myers, a Tucson businessman, to the board to will replace Fred Boice. Both Myers and Killian were appointed to serve eight-year terms.

Boice and Bulla were honored for their service at a luncheon Friday.