If you are a member of the media, please email ngarcia@azcc.gov or call (602) 542-0728.
If you are a member of the media, please email ngarcia@azcc.gov or call (602) 542-0728.
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Corporation Commission formally announces that James Cook, Ed.D. has been hired as the agency’s Director of Administrative Services. He brings years of executive leadership experience spanning strategic development, organizational leadership, and complex operations management. Prior to joining the Commission, he served in senior advancement and regional leadership at Western Governors University (WGU).
Executive Director for the Commission, Doug Clark, hired Dr. Cook after a nationwide candidate search: “The Arizona Corporation Commission is fortunate to have obtained the services of Dr. Cook. Dr. Cook's vast life and professional experiences will serve the people of Arizona well.”
A U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Cook held executive leadership roles in intelligence, operations, and aviation logistics across a 20-year military career, culminating as a Battalion Executive Officer. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership from the University of Lynchburg, with doctoral research focused on leveraging social capital to escape generational poverty. He also holds a Master of Arts in Religion Leadership and held a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credentials. Dr. Cook is married, lives in Phoenix, and competes in sprint triathlons and endurance events in his free time.
Under Dr. Cook’s new leadership, the Administrative Services Division will be reviewing policies and procedures to provide improved efficiencies and cost-saving measures for the Commission and the people of Arizona.”
Dr. Cook succeeds former ACC Administrative Services Director, Kimberly Battista, who retired from the position in July 2026 after serving Arizonans for the past 24 years.
“I am grateful to return to my home state of Arizona where I grew up, and I am especially honored to serve the people of Arizona at the ACC,” said Dr. Cook.
“I am glad the Arizona Corporation Commission has assisted in bringing a born-and raised-Arizonan home to work for the people of Arizona,” said Executive Director Clark.