Gov. Jan Brewer on May 1 announced a handful of staff appointments, including Alberto Gutier as director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety – even though Gutier has been running the office for several weeks now.

Other appointees included: Vanessa Hickman, deputy general counsel; Patricia Cordova, director of the Children's Division of the Governor's Office of Children, Youth and Families; and Matthew Derr, Gutier's deputy director.

"I am honored that these talented and experienced individuals have agreed to serve in my administration and serve the citizens of Arizona," Brewer stated in a press release.

Hickman has practiced law at several firms, most recently with Withey Morris PLC, where she focused on infrastructure and real estate development, land-use planning, zoning, entitlements and development agreements. Prior to her time at the firm, she practiced law with Wilenchik & Bartness PC and Wilcox & Wilcox PC.

Cordova has more than 20 years experience in public service, working most recently at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, where she served as assistant director of support services, director of communications and legislative policy, and executive assistant to the director. She has also served as juvenile justice administrator with the Governor's Community Policy Office, and as a program specialist at the Arizona Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Services Division.

As director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Gutier will be reclaiming the position he held under former Govs. Fife Symington and Jane Hull. He was the founder of the Gutier Group, a lobbying and political consulting firm, and has also served as state personnel director and administrative services officer for the Department of Administration, and as acting driver licensing program administrator for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division.

Derr, who served as policy advisor for Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes and as deputy district director and political director for former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, most recently served as campaign manager for the Jim Ogsbury for Congress campaign. He is also a former regulatory affairs analyst with Salt River Project and as a competitive marketing analyst with New West Energy.