Ambassador Cindy McCain resigns from Arizona Human Trafficking Council

PHOENIX — Cindy McCain resigned from her position as co-chair of the Arizona Human Trafficking Council on Thursday following her confirmation by the U.S. Senate to an ambassador post in the Biden administration.

“It has been my distinct honor to serve on this council since its inception in 2013, and inspiring to do so alongside a talented cadre of dedicated public servants, researchers, service providers, law enforcement representatives and survivors, all of whom share the singular goal of making Arizona a leader in the fight against human trafficking,” McCain said in the resignation.

The council, which serves as a statewide multidisciplinary team focused on developing a service plan for victims, during McCain’s time has provided training on how to identify, report and respond to victims of trafficking to more than 44,000 professionals and community members statewide.

A statewide human trafficking outreach and awareness campaign with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was also launched, according to a press release, along with more than 30 research studies being supported that revealed the human trafficking landscape in the state and provided insight on how systems of care can better support survivors.

“Cindy has been a steadfast champion in the fight to end trafficking here in Arizona and across the world,” Ducey said in the release.

“Her passionate advocacy, ability to rally leaders across sectors and her support for survivors has had an immeasurable impact on anti-trafficking efforts. I’m grateful for her leadership and friendship, and I know she will continue making a difference in her new role.”

The U.S. Senate confirmed McCain and fellow Arizona Republican Jeff Flake to ambassador posts Tuesday, with Flake serving as ambassador to Turkey and McCain as representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

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