The Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and approved by the state Senate. The Board is responsible for ensuring that Arizona’s early childhood funds are spent on services that help our state’s young children be healthier and start kindergarten ready to succeed.
Meet Our Board
Nadine Mathis Basha
Chair
Gerald Szostak
Vice Chair
Gayle Burns
Member
Amelia Flores
Member
Rev. Dr. Darren Hawkins
Member
Dr. Sherry Markel
Member
Heidi Quinlan
Member
Ruth Solomon
Member
Helena Whitney
Member
Dr. Cara Christ Director, Arizona Department of Health Services
Ex-Officio
Designee: Patricia Tarango, Bureau Chief
Hon. Kathy Hoffman Superintendent of Public Instruction, Arizona Department of Education
Ex-Officio
Designee: Nicol Russell, Deputy Associate Superintendent
Michael Trailor Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security
Ex-Officio
Designee: Maureen Casey, Assistant Director/CEO, Division of Developmental Disabilities
By law, members of the Board must be representative of Arizona’s diversity. They must include Republicans and Democrats, as well as residents of both metropolitan and rural areas. All Board members share a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for Arizona’s young kids to succeed in school and in life.
The Directors of the Department of Economic Security, Department of Health Services and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or their chosen designees, serve as non-voting ex-officio members.