Month: January 2019

James Goughnour of Payson nominated to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department Press Release – January 23, 2019.

Governor Doug Ducey today announced the nomination of James E. Goughnour of Payson, Arizona, as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Goughnour, an Arizona resident of 42 years, is an outdoors enthusiast and driving force for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in the Payson area. He is the owner of Rim Country Custom Rods, a small business that designs and builds custom fishing rods and repairs rods and rod components. Prior to starting his business, he worked 26 years for General Dynamics Aerospace Systems Group in Scottsdale, where he held a number of management positions, culminating in a position as a project manager for all aspects of the Aerospace Operations Program.

Goughnour is the immediate past president of the Mogollon Sporting Association (MSA), a not-for-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization that raises funds to benefit wildlife conservation and youth education programs throughout the Mogollon Rim area. He serves as the MSA organizational interface with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and the Tonto National Forest to receive project requests and coordinate with MSA to provide funding and volunteers.

Goughnour is also active with and has chaired the Payson Special Volunteer Committee, where he led a group of approximately 100 volunteers, business owners, and county and town representatives to develop a plan to attract national-level bass fishing tournaments to Roosevelt Lake and promote Payson by designating it as the “Host Town” for these events. 

He serves as chair of the Gila County Roundtable, a group of Gila County anglers working with AZGFD to enhance fishing conditions at Roosevelt Lake. As part of this partnership effort, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2014 donated more than 400,000 Florida-strain bass fry for stocking into Roosevelt Lake. 

Goughnour is an active member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Forest L. Wood, the National Rifle Association, and the Tonto Rim Sports Club. He works with the Payson Parks and Recreation Department and AZGFD in the planning and execution of the annual Payson Wildlife Fair. He is also an active participant in the Kids Fishing Program at Green Valley Lake. 

Goughnour earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. His appointment is pending confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

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

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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