The Future of Arizona Democracy is an annual series focusing on the challenges confronting Arizona's democracy. Each year, a panel of experts examines the state’s governance, the 48th state's legacy of constitutional powers and responsibilities, the delicate balance between representative and direct democracy in ensuring a system of government that is of, by, and for the people that works to enhance liberty and opportunity for all. It is the result of a partnership between The Arizona Junior Fellows, a project of the Arizona Chamber Foundation, and ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.

Join the Arizona Junior Fellows for an in-depth discussion on the impacts of illegal trade in Arizona and the United States.

We will investigate what gives rise to shadow markets, how the public and private sectors are responding and what more policymakers can do to protect our state.

The panelists will also analyze what sort of role students – as future and current employees in the public and private sectors – can play in combating illegal trade.

The panel

Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney - panelist

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell was appointed County Attorney by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on April 20, 2022. She is an Arizona native and a veteran prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. For the past thirty years, she’s dedicated her career to protecting families by prosecuting crimes against children, ensuring the integrity of our legal system, and leading teams of prosecutors to do justice in the community.

Eileen Klein, moderator

Hon. Eileen I. Klein is the founder and advisor to the Junior Fellows program. She served as 35th state treasurer of Arizona and chief of staff to Governor Janice K. Brewer. She is president emerita of the Arizona Board of Regents and a former member of the State Board of Education. She also has served as COO of a Fortune 10 healthcare company.

Kristin Reif, panelist

Kristin Reif is a director of external affairs at Philip Morris International’s, including domestic engagement to combat the national security threats created by the illicit trade of tobacco and the vast criminal enterprises funded by this trade. Her work is focused on fostering cooperation with Congress, federal agencies, military and law enforcement officials to take action against a vital source of funding for terrorist and transnational organized criminal networks that is cloaked by a web of secret, and ever evolving, financial networks.

Tony Bradley, panelist

Tony Bradley has served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona Trucking Association and the Executive Director for the Arizona Trucking Association Foundation since 2013. Bradley has more than 25 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and public affairs. He is a double Sun Devil, with a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University. He lives in Phoenix, AZ with his wife and two children.

Register here.