Small Town News
Hiring process for AZ parks director explained
Email
Print
CopyGUEST PERSPECTIVE
There has been a lot of talk and speculation regarding the recent hiring of Arizona State Parks Executive Director Bryan Martyn. In an effort to clear the air, allow me, as chairman of the Arizona State Parks Board, to describe the process the board utilized prior to its unanimous vote to hire Martyn.
The Arizona State Parks Board chose to conduct a nationwide search utilizing the services of the Arizona Department of Administration human resources staff. A hiring subcommittee of four State Parks Board members was chosen to conduct initial interviews and to narrow the field to four candidates. This was the same process used during the executive director search three years ago.
The subcommittee compiled a list of seven desired qualifications for the executive director position. Those included: knowledge of legislative process; land management and preservation experience; contract negotiation experience; experience with local county, municipal, tribal government and corporations; 10 years executive management-parks environment; bachelor's degree in parks management or related field; and budget development experience.
More than 200 people submitted applications to the Arizona Department of Administration Human Resources Department which was charged with collecting the applications, evaluating initial qualifications and then submitting ten applicants to the Arizona State Parks Board hiring subcommittee for consideration and initial interviews.
The state parks hiring subcommittee conducted initial interviews of 10 applicants, including Martyn. The interviews included a four-page set of written questions, a one-hour interview covering a fixed set of eight questions and any follow-up questions by the four-member committee. The interviews were then graded and the applicants narrowed to four finalists by the subcommittee. ADOA human resources staff and attorney general staff were present throughout the entire process.
Martyn was selected as one of the final four candidates based upon his qualifications and the answers given during the initial interview process. The finalists were then scheduled for an interview and an unscripted presentation sent to the entire board. Based upon his final interview and his presentation, Martyn was unanimously chosen by this seven-member volunteer State Parks Board.
Although not required by law, as a courtesy to the governor, I chose to submit Martyn's name to Gov. Jan Brewer. This same courtesy has been extended in the past. The governor agreed with the board's selection, and Martyn started his job May 1.
At no time was the State Parks Board unduly influenced by outside agencies, individuals or pressures. The issue of "personnel reform" was never an issue, as it had not been heard by the Legislature at the time of the interviews or hiring. Martyn was selected for the following reasons: his extensive leadership experience as a county supervisor and career military officer; his position as a State Parks Foundation Board member; his budget expertise derived as a county supervisor; his extensive knowledge of local, county and state politics; his extensive knowledge of the state's geographic landscape; his presentation skills; and finally, the Board's belief that he is the right fit for the organization under today's conditions.
Walter Armer is the chairman of Arizona State Parks Board.
Copyright 2012 The Camp Verde Journal, Camp Verde, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
More from The Camp Verde Journal