Governor Ducey Appoints Robert Broscheid as the New Director of Arizona State Parks & Trails

Source:  Craig Harris, Arizona Republic – January 11, 2019

In November, Ducey fired Parks Director Sue Black and her top deputy, ending her tubulent 3 ½-year tenure running the agency.

Black was fired after an Arizona Republic investigation revealed allegations from former department archaeologists that the agency had developed state land without regard for laws protecting Native American and other archaeological sites. The allegations triggered a criminal investigation from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Black also was repeatedly accused of mistreating employees, including the firing of a woman with cancer.

Meanwhile, interim Parks director Ted Vogt was appointed to run the state Department of Gaming on Friday. He will be paid $135,000 a year.

New director’s experience 

Broscheid arrives from Colorado, where since 2013 he was the director and chief executive of Colorado Parks & Wildlife. He will be paid $170,000 a year.

In Colorado, Broscheid led efforts to expand access to Colorado’s state parks, establishing programs to connect young and underserved populations and their families to outdoor and recreational opportunities, Ducey’s office said.

Robert Broscheid

Robert Broscheid (Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Prior to his work in Colorado, Broscheid served at the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 18 years, including as the deputy director for the agency from 2008-2013, according to Ducey’s office.

“With Bob’s extensive leadership background in wildlife and outdoor management, I am pleased that he will be back in Arizona working to protect our natural parks and promote our recreational assets,” Ducey said in a statement. “Arizona offers the most spectacular state parks of anywhere in the country. Bob is well-qualified to lead the preservation of these natural wonders for the benefit of Arizonans and future generations.”

Broscheid said he was honored to join Arizona Parks & Trails.

“Arizona is full of diverse landscapes, rich cultural history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. These parks belong to everybody, and my top priorities will be to help preserve and protect these natural resources for the enjoyment of all visitors,” he said.

Broscheid holds a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from Arizona State University and is a graduate of the National Conservation Leadership Institute.

Interim leader named as gaming director

Vogt, meanwhile, has extensive state government experience as he becomes the Gaming director. 

Vogt has been Ducey’s first chief of operations, director of Veterans Affairs, and executive director of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

“Ted is a proven leader and has the experience and knowledge needed to build a strong and successful team,” Ducey said in a statement. “Ted is is widely respected across state government for his professionalism, and I’m proud to appoint him as the next director of the Arizona Department of Gaming.”

Vogt said he was honored and excited for his new role.

Reach the reporter at craig.harris@arizonarepubilc.com or 602-444-8478

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