Learn About Ken Bennett

An Arizona native, Ken Bennett was born in Tucson, Ariz. in 1959. He is married to Jeanne Tenney Bennett. They have three grown children, Ryan, Dana & Clif, and one grandson. Ken is a Big Brother to Kellen and enjoys sports and music.

1993 - 1996 - Boy Scouts of America, Scoutmaster

1989 - 1994 - Prescott Little League, Coach

1989 - 1994 - AYSA/AYSO Soccer, Coach

1984 - Arizona State University graduate, Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting

1978-1980 - Served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (southern Japan)

1978 - Attended Yavapai College (1981 President’s Scholarship)

1977 - Prescott High School graduate, National Honor Society

1973 - Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout

Biography

Ken Bennett was selected by Governor Janice K. Brewer to replace her as Secretary of State. He was sworn into office on January 26, 2009.
Ken served in the State Senate from 1999 to 2007, representing Legislative District 1. He was President of the Senate during his last four years in office.
Before his service to the constituents of District 1, Ken served for seven years on the Arizona State Board of Education. He also served on the Arizona Charter Schools Board for three years and was was a founding member of the Education Leaders Council in Washington, D.C.
In 1985 Ken began his public service career when he was elected to the Prescott City Council. He served a four-year term and was Mayor Pro-Tempore in 1988.

2007-2008 - Served as a public member of the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

2007 - Received the Polly Rosenbaum Award from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records in recognition of his unfailing support of the State Library's mission to preserve Arizona's history and to provide access to information on the state.

2002 - Served as Republican Floor Leader

2002 - Served again as Chairman of the Education Committee

2001 - Served as Chairman of the Education Committee

1998 - Served again as Board President of the Arizona State Board of Education

1996 - Served as Board President of the Arizona State Board of Education

1991 - 1993 - Served on the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

1991 - Governor’s Task Force, Education Reform/p>

1991 - 1993 - Served on the Prescott Economic Development Comm. Board of Directors

1989 - Yavapai College Alumni Association, Founding Member

In 2007 Ken left the Senate because of term limits. Prior to taking the oath of office as Secretary of State in January 2009 Ken worked with companies to develop alternative energy sources and energy efficient building technologies. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Global Building Systems Inc. and Energy Tech America in Prescott. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Cancer Treatment Centers of America – Western Regional Medical Center in Surprise, Arizona, and EMTA Corporation in Scottsdale. Ken served as CEO of Bennett Oil Company, a family fuel distribution business from 1985 to 2006, and continues on its Board of Directors.