Awards
Debra Krol, a reporter for the tribal newspaper Fort McDowell Yavapai News, was one of six people awarded a Diversity Outreach Leadership Grant for the 2006-07 year. The award, given by The Society of Professional Journalists, aims to strengthen diversity within SPJ leadership and build its ongoing efforts in the winner’s area.
Along with her work for the newspaper, Ms. Krol is also a freelance writer and produces a weekly segment on Native American issues for KAZ-TV. She is helping establish a plan to give participants in the reservation’s summer youth program a few pages of the Fort McDowell Yavapai News to produce.
Ms. Krol will receive a training session followed by a year-long mentoring relationship with top national SPJ leaders and paid expenses for the 2006 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Chicago.

Terry Goddard was presented with the Hon. John R. Sticht Excellence in Disabilities Accessibility Award at the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary celebration held July 26 at the state Capitol. The honor was awarded to the attorney general and his office to recognize their efforts in advocating for and employing people with disabilities.
The award was presented by the State Bar of Arizona Committee on Persons with Disabilities in the Legal Profession. The celebration marked the 16th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, a law that has increased access, transportation, communication and other services for persons with disabilities.
Commissions
Helen Purcell was reappointed to the board of advisors of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Ms. Purcell, Maricopa County recorder since 1988, received word of her reappointment via a letter from EAC Chairman Paul DeGregorio dated July 25, 2006.
Ms. Purcell serves on the commission’s 15-member Technical Guidelines Development Committee. In addition to her EAC advisory responsibilities, she was also appointed vice chair of the National Association of Counties’ Member Programs and Service Committee.
Retirements
John C. Bowers is retiring as executive director of the Arizona Association of Economic Development. He has served the organization for nearly six years. During his stewardship the organization experienced tremendous growth and record-high membership. Mr. Bowers will hold the position while the AAED searches for his successor.
The AAED aims to be the leading advocate of responsible economic development for all of Arizona by the facilitation of cooperation between public and private enterprises and encouraging teamwork to address growth and quality of life issues that face the state.