Biography of Fred DuVal

Fred DuVal is a highly regarded entrepreneur, civic leader, advisor, board member, and author He serves as the President of DuVal and Associates, a firm he founded in 2001 that provides expert counsel in government affairs and policy strategies Based in Washington, D C , and state capitals, his firm has worked with high-profile clients, including major corporations in diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals to energy, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Throughout his career, DuVal has had a significant impact on both local and national political landscapes. He is currently serving his second term as a Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents, a position he was appointed to by Governor Janet Napolitano in 2007 He was reappointed by Governor Doug Ducey in 2018 and continues to serve with distinction. Notably, he was the first Regent in Arizona's history appointed by a Democratic and Republican governor He has chaired the board on multiple occasions, including in 2011 and again in 2023 He is also a former Association of Governing Boards (AGB) member, representing the boards of over 4,000 American colleges and universities

In addition to his work in Arizona, DuVal holds several key positions in the corporate world. He is a senior advisor to Dentons Law, one of the largest law firms globally, and serves as Chairman of Excelsior Mining, a company focused on copper production in southern Arizona He also sits on the board of DriveTime Auto Group, a nationwide car dealership chain. In 2014, he ran as the Democratic nominee for governor of Arizona but was narrowly defeated by Doug Ducey

DuVal's Work as Regent, Arizona Board of Regents

During his first term as a Regent, DuVal played an instrumental role in several transformative initiatives in Arizona's higher education system. As co-chair of the "Getting AHEAD" initiative, he helped create AZtransfercom, a groundbreaking platform that seamlessly transfers credits between Arizona's community colleges and universities His contributions extended beyond education; in the wake of the tragic shooting of Rep. Gabby Giffords, he established the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona, a project dedicated to promoting civility and understanding in public dialogue. He was also appointed to an advisory group for the National Governors Association's "Complete to Compete" educational initiative in 2010

During his second term as Regent, DuVal's leadership continued to drive significant reforms in Arizona's higher education system He led the creation of the Arizona Teachers Academy, which aims to address teacher shortages by incentivizing teachers to work in high-need areas. He also co-chaired the presidential search committees at Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona, where his focus on accountability, affordability, and access to higher education shaped essential policy decisions. His work on behalf of Arizona students and educators has left an indelible mark on the state's educational framework

DuVal's Work in National Politics and the White House

On the national stage, DuVal held several significant positions in government President Bill Clinton appointed him as Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs from 1997 to 1999 He liaised between the White House and the nation's governors, coordinating activities with 25 federal agencies and negotiating policies on critical issues such as welfare reform and tobacco regulation. He was deeply involved in implementing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the passage of the national tobacco settlement.

Before joining the Clinton administration, DuVal held the role of Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States from 1993 to 1997, where he was responsible for overseeing high-level foreign dignitaries visiting the U S He managed numerous state visits, including those of President Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, and the Emperor of Japan. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Mideast peace signing ceremony at the White House in 1993, marking an important milestone in U S foreign diplomacy

Appointed Member of the IAF Board of Directors

In 2000, DuVal was appointed by President Clinton to the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) This organization provides grants to support civil society organizations working on critical issues such as economic development, food security, environmental protection, and social justice throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Special Assistant to the Governor

Earlier in his career, DuVal worked as Special Assistant to Governor Bruce Babbitt in Arizona, where he was responsible for managing the governor's legislative agenda and liaising with the state's Congressional delegation and federal agencies. His close relationship with Governor Babbitt also extended to his role in managing the governor's successful 1978 election campaign and 1988 presidential campaign.

Other Activities

DuVal has always been an advocate for innovation in energy policy He coordinated the Pickens Plan, a national initiative to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on foreign oil Additionally, he was a member of the Arizona Commerce Board, which developed Arizona's 10-year economic plan and co-founded the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Leadership Council In recognition of his work in public policy, he was named "Public Policy Leader of the Year" by the Arizona Capital Times in 2012.

DuVal, the Author

Fred DuVal has also made significant contributions as an author, penning several influential works on politics and public policy. His book, Irons in the Fire, is a collection of op-ed articles on various issues affecting Arizona In Calling Arizona Home, he explores the factors that draw people to the state and the qualities that make communities in Arizona unique and desirable He continues to write for the Arizona Republic, offering his perspective on issues ranging from education reform to energy policy

Civic Leadership

DuVal's commitment to civic engagement extends beyond his professional roles He has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the University Medical Center, Children's

Action Alliance, and the Desert Botanical Garden His philanthropic efforts have focused on promoting public health, education, and community service.

Education

Fred DuVal earned his B A from Occidental College in 1976, where he was named "Outstanding Senior." He later received his J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law, furthering his commitment to public service and policy advocacy

His Personal Life

Born in New Jersey and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked the Grand Canyon every decade for the past five decades. He is married to Dr. Jennifer Hecker DuVal, a former Director of Behavioral Health at the Mayo Clinic Together, they have two sons, Will and Monte, and remain deeply involved in their local community and broader national affairs.

Fred DuVal's career is a testament to his ultimate dedication to public service in Arizona and beyond. Through his work in government, business, and education, he has sought to create lasting change with a vision for a more prosperous and equitable future