ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY News Release
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2006
DAVID BERNS OF DES CHAIRS NEW DOWNTOWN BOARD
TEMPE, Ariz. – David Berns, director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, has accepted a volunteer chair position on the inaugural Arizona State University College of Public Programs Downtown Opportunities Board. Debra Friedman, who recently joined ASU as dean of the College of Public Programs, created the board to involve local leaders in shaping the strategic partnerships between the College, which moves to the new ASU Downtown Phoenix campus this year, and the community.
At DES, Berns oversees a budget of almost $3 billion and 10,000 staff working in programs such as family assistance, child and adult protective services and child support. DES services also include support to vulnerable populations, such as individuals with developmental disabilities, the homeless and victims of domestic violence. In addition to his leadership at DES, Berns serves on the board of the American Public Human Services Association, where he chairs their Economic Security Committee.
“The College of Public Programs is a strong partner with DES,” explained Director Berns. “I am excited about their move to the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus and look forward to the opportunities for integrating their expertise into our programs and services.”
Other community leaders named to the College’s Downtown Opportunities Board are: Deborah Dillon, youth and education program director, City of Phoenix; Deb Gullett, chief of staff, City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office; Chris Herstam, government relations director, Lewis Roca LLP; Scott Jacobson, executive director, Valley Leadership; Nancy Jordan, vice president for community development, ASU’s Office of Public Affairs; Brian Kearney, CEO, Downtown Phoenix Partnership; Paul Luna, president, Valley of the Sun United Way; John Reid, executive director, ChildHelp; George Scobas, executive vice president and COO, Valley of the Sun YMCA; Fern Tiger, president and creative director, Fern Tiger Associates and professor of practice, ASU College of Public Programs; and Alberta Tippeconnic, assistant director, Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
The board will be involved in helping shape the College’s contributions to the social and economic advancement of the city and the region. Members will serve 3-year terms. The board meets monthly and will be actively involved in College programs, events and activities.
“I am grateful to David and other members for their willingness to share expertise, aspirations and creativity with the College,” said Dean Friedman.
The College, which focuses on the educational and research areas of public affairs, community resources and development, and social work, has special interest and expertise in extreme-growth urban areas, responses to poverty, and the prerequisites for excellence in governance and nonprofit leadership and management. Its three schools and five centers, including the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and the Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management, will occupy the fourth through the ninth floors of the University Center at 411 N. Central Avenue, which will open for classes on August 21, 2006.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Palka,
(480) 727-6238 direct line / (602) 370-6128 cell
Arizona State University
College of Public Programs
Tempe, Arizona USA
copp.asu.edu