Ducey makes interim director of Department of Revenue permanent
Mar 1, 2021, 2:00 PM
(Arizona Governor's Office Photo)
(Arizona Governor's Office Photo)
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey announced Monday the interim director of the Arizona Department of Revenue will assume the role permanently effective immediately.
Rob Woods has served on the job since Dec. 29. He replaces Carlton Woodruff, who was abruptly dismissed after he hired outside lawyers to defend Proposition 208.
“It is an honor to accept the position of director after leading the Department of Revenue for the last few months,” Woods said in a press release. “Our team is committed to meeting the needs of Arizona’s taxpayers, and I’m confident we will continue to find new ways to better serve our state. My thanks to Gov. Ducey for the opportunity.”
Woods was the department’s deputy director before being appointed to the interim position.
“Rob has served the state well for many years and he’s done an excellent job as interim director of the Department of Revenue,” Ducey said in the release. “He continues to find innovative ways to improve operations and enhance efficiency and he stepped up to a leadership role during a crucial time for our state.
“I’m grateful for Rob’s commitment to serving Arizonans and I look forward to his continued leadership at the department.”
Woods’ predecessor had worked with Ducey since the Republican governor was state treasurer. Woodbury was appointed to lead the tax agency in 2018 after serving in other state leadership roles.
Prop 208 passed on Nov. 3, but two lawsuits challenging its constitutionality were then filed. They argued in part that under the Arizona Constitution, the power to tax and spend state funds rests with the Legislature.
Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s spokeswoman, Katie Conner, said at the time the state sometimes hires outside counsel to defend lawsuits, although that’s normally his job. Outside lawyers can be hired for staffing or expertise reasons or because of a conflict of interest.
Ducey opposed Prop 208, as did the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a major Ducey backer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
