Korkes lands construction industry post

By Mike Sunnucks
The Business Journal
January 26, 2007

A former lobbyist for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry landed a post at a statewide construction industry group.

Romina Korkes has been hired as the new government affairs director at the Arizona Contractors Association.

Korkes previously was public affairs director for the state chamber, which has undergone wholesale personnel changes in recent months.

The contractors group is one of the more politically moderate business groups in the state and has warm relations with Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano.

The ACA also promoted Brett Jones to vice president. Jones previously served as the group's lobbyist.

Korkes is one of a number of staff members to leave the Arizona Chamber recently. Vice President Farrell Quinlan stepped down earlier this month to start his own public relations and lobbying outfit. Lobbyist Scott Peterson quit to take a government relations job in Wisconsin. Former chamber Chief Executive Jim Apperson resigned last year and now is a top budget adviser to Napolitano.

Apperson, a Democrat, was replaced by Glenn Hamer, the former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. Hamer's appointment and state chamber Chairman Steve Twist's strong ties to the Republican Party sparked some consternation with the governor's office and Democrats -- including chief of staff Dennis Burke -- who said the chamber is becoming partisan.
Since taking over at the chamber, Hamer has stressed that he is committed to a nonpartisan, pro-business, pro-growth agenda.

Get connected

Arizona Contractors Association: www.azca.com
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry: www.azchamber.com