A state agency that in the minds of some elected and private sector officials was a comfortable place for political appointees to perform is on the way out.

Family is the only thing that really pulls J. Doug Pruitt away from running a 120-year-old construction company. He freely admits his “vacations” are often off-time jaunts during business trips. His tireless demeanor has earned him much respect and even greater influence in and outside of the construction industry.

Jerry Colangelo, vice chairman of the newly formed Arizona Commerce Authority, sees his role as “rallying the troops and putting together a board that will provide leadership” in a concerted effort to improve the state’s economic and business status.