John Arnold

The Arizona Board of Regents named John Arnold it's executive director in July of 2018. In this role, he is responsible for guiding the board’s strategic plan with ambitious 2025 goals to increase educational attainment and advance the public higher education enterprise to serve students and impact Arizona’s economy.

Arnold had served as interim managing director of the board beginning in May of 2018 to lead the board office during the search for a new leader. He joined the board office in March of 2015 as vice president of business management and financial affairs, developing financial policies and procedures for the university enterprise, addressing capital development and state budget requests, and coordinating system-wide analysis of complex financial issues.

With more than 20 years of serving the state of Arizona, Arnold brings significant public service experience and a deep commitment to higher education to the position. He has an exceptional background in financial affairs and a proven track record of leadership, serving as Gov. Jan Brewer’s state budget director where he was instrumental in providing fiscal direction and solutions for the state during the Great Recession as well as implementing the budget and advising the governor on all related matters.

Throughout his career, he has worked with leaders in education from K-12 to college. As director of the Arizona School Facilities Board, he managed programs for new school construction, building renewal, and energy savings.