Governor Janet Napolitano

Governor Janet Napolitano is one of our nation’s most innovative, influential and inspirational leaders.  As the 21st governor of Arizona she has taken the reins with a clear vision, and moved the state into the 21st century.

Chosen by Time Magazine as one of America’s Top Five Governors, Janet Napolitano’s hallmark is common sense – she does what makes sense and what works. She continues to fight for quality schools, affordable health care, sensible and forward-thinking economic development, a safe homeland, and has taken extensive measures to create fiscal responsibility and to end bureaucratic waste. 

Governor Napolitano championed voluntary full-day kindergarten, available for all Arizona children. She pushed for a historical teacher pay raise – an acknowledgement to those who have chosen the most valuable of professions.  She also provided record financial support for Arizona’s universities and community colleges, recognizing the need for a well educated work force to ensure the success of Arizona’s future. She fought to preserve health insurance for our state’s entrepreneurs, while putting into place steps that will help ensure all Arizona children have health care.

Governor Napolitano leadership has expanded to outside our state’s boundaries. She recently concluded her term as the first woman and first Arizonan chosen to chair the National Governors Association where her groundbreaking Innovation America platform will continue to move forward.  Prior to her election as Governor, Napolitano served as U.S. Attorney for Arizona and as Arizona’s first female Attorney General. She’s one of Arizona’s brightest stars who will continue to shine a light on the issues affecting not only Arizona, but the nation.

2008 Science of Early Learning Award Luncheon

More than five hundred people filled the Arizona Biltmore McArthur Ballroom to honor Governor Janet Napolitano at the Fifth Annual Science of Early Learning Award Luncheon held May 8, 2008. The award was presented by Bill Post, chairman of APS and luncheon chairman, and Jill Stamm, Ph.D., co-founder of New Directions Institute.   Speaker Governor Jim Hunt, four-term governor of North Carolina inspired the audience to improve the future of children by investing in early childhood development.  Proceeds of the luncheon help fund NDI’s parent and caregiver training. We appreciate the support of APS and the many other benefactors whose support contributed to the success of this event.

Bill Post, Gov. Hunt, Gov. Napolitano, Fred Chaffee, and Dr. Jill Stamm