Arizona Secretary of State
Ken Bennett (Republican)

Ken Bennett was selected by Governor Janice K. Brewer to replace her as Secretary of State and was sworn into office on January 26, 2009. An Arizona native, Secretary Bennett was born in Tucson, Ariz. in 1959. He resides in Prescott, Ariz. with his wife Jeanne Tenney Bennett. They have three grown children, Ryan, Dana & Clif, and one grandson. Bennett served in the State Senate from 1999 to 2007, representing Legislative District 1. He was President of the Senate during his last four years in office.

He also served as Republican Floor Leader in 2002, and as Chairman of the Education Committee in 2001 and 2002. In 2007, Bennett received the Polly Rosenbaum Award from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records in recognition of his unfailing support of the State Library's mission to preserve Arizona's history and to provide access to information on the state.

Prior to his legislative career, Bennett served for seven years on the Arizona State Board of Education, and was President of the Board in 1996 and 1998. He also served on the Arizona Charter Schools Board for three years. Bennett was a founding member of the Education Leaders Council in Washington, D.C.

Secretary Bennett began his public service career when he was elected to the Prescott City Council in 1985. He served a four year term and was Mayor Pro-Tempore in 1988.

Since leaving the Senate in 2007 because of term limits, Bennett has been working with companies to develop alternative energy sources and energy efficient building technologies. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Global Building Systems Inc. and Energy Tech America in Prescott. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Cancer Treatment Centers of America – Western Regional Medical Center in Surprise, Arizona, and EMTA Corporation in Scottsdale. Bennett served as CEO of Bennett Oil Company, a family fuel distribution business from 1985 to 2006, and continues on its Board of Directors.

Secretary Bennett is a Big Brother to Kellen. Bennett enjoys sports and music. From 1978 to 1980 he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in southern Japan. He is an Eagle Scout and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in accounting.