Shakeup in AZ Gov's office may help budget deal

Will Eileen Klein help AZ get a fair budget deal?

PHOENIX -- In a long-overdue staff shakeup, Governor Jan Brewer today announced the promotion of Eileen Klein to Chief of Staff, replacing Kevin Tyne, seen by many at the Capitol as ineffective. Klein currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance and Director of the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting.

This change could help jump start the failed Arizona budget process, especially if Klein is willing to truly listen and work with Democrats for a fair budget, which Tyne largely refused. I hope she does, for the good of the state, but it remains to be seen.

Prior to joining the Brewer Administration, Eileen Klein was Chief Operating Officer for Arizona Physicians IPA by UnitedHealthcare, a $1 billion health insurance corporation. Ms. Klein also served for three years as Vice President of State Affairs, representing all UnitedHealthcare lines of business in government relations and public policy in Arizona, Utah and Idaho. During that time, Ms. Klein served as an executive committee member of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Eileen Klein spent over twelve years in state government in Arizona and Florida. She was the Director of Policy for the Arizona House of Representatives, where she served as chief adviser to the majority leadership. In that role, she oversaw the development of the state’s $10 billion budget and was responsible for directing policy staff in advancing major legislative initiatives and state government reforms. During her tenure, Ms. Klein served four House Speakers. Klein’s legislative experience also includes work at the Office of the Auditor General, where she performed audits to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of state programs.

The transition process will begin immediately, and Mr. Tyne and Ms. Klein will work closely over the next three weeks in transition.

- adapted from AZ Gov office