Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has announced several staff changes and promotions within the Senate Majority Staff. These updates aim to strengthen support for the 17 Republican state senators as they pursue legislative priorities in Arizona.
Fletcher Montzingo has been promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. Montzingo brings over ten years of experience in state government, including six years staffing the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees. In his new position, he will also work with the new Senate Committee on Appropriations & Transportation and assist with tax issues in the Senate Committee on Finance.
Brooke Huppenthal will join the Majority Staff as Deputy General Counsel starting September 15. She will provide legal counsel and serve as policy advisor for several committees, including Judiciary & Elections, Military Affairs & Border Security, and assist with the Rules Committee. Huppenthal previously worked as an Assistant Attorney General in Tennessee and clerked for Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick.
Simone Westbrook Hall has joined as Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Resources, Energy & Water, and Public Safety committees. Hall’s background includes experience in natural resource and land use policy from both public and private sectors, most recently serving as State Deputy Land Commissioner.
Abigail McLain is set to begin on September 8 as Policy Advisor for Finance and Health & Human Services committees. A Grand Canyon University graduate, McLain recently worked with Alliance Defending Freedom focusing on First Amendment policy.
“These new additions and promotions ensure that the Arizona Senate Majority Caucus has one of the most experienced and capable legislative staff teams in the country,” said President Petersen. “Fletcher, Simone, Brooke, and Abby bring not only expertise but also a strong commitment to serving our citizens with professionalism and integrity. They will play an important role in helping us deliver results for Arizona families.”
The current list of staff assignments includes Josh Kredit as Chief of Staff; Rusty Crandall as General Counsel; Kim Quintero as Director of Communications; Alayna Kowaleski as Deputy Director of Communications; Blaze Baggs as Senior Policy Advisor for Health & Human Services; Emma Blair advising on Education among other committees; Gina Jenkins serving as Senior Executive Assistant; along with Montzingo, Huppenthal, Hall, and McLain in their respective roles.
Petersen was elected to represent Arizona’s 14th Senate District in 2023 after David Gowan’s tenure (https://ballotpedia.org/Warren_Petersen).
For further information about these staff changes or contact details for communications director Kim Quintero are available through the Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus.
