Fred DuVal
Regent, AZ Board of Regents
Fred DuVal is a distinguished entrepreneur, civic leader, author, and trusted advisor, renowned for his impactful work in public service and the private sector. He is the founder and President of DuVal and Associates, a consulting firm established in 2001. Through his firm, DuVal has offered expert advice on government affairs, public policy, and business strategies to clients across various industries, including healthcare, infrastructure, and energy. His guidance has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate the complex world of politics and regulation, ensuring that they stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to bridge gaps between differing interests, his work has earned him a reputation as a highly respected figure in political and business circles.
DuVal's career extends far beyond his role as an entrepreneur. He has been a prominent figure in Arizona’s public life, where he has dedicated much of his career to improving higher education and public policy. He currently serves his second term on the Arizona Board of Regents, the body responsible for overseeing the state's public universities. His first appointment came in 2007, and he was reappointed in 2018. Throughout his tenure, DuVal has been a driving force behind several significant initiatives to improve education in the state. His bipartisan support, appointed by both Democratic and Republican governors, reflects his ability to unite people across political divides for the common good.
DuVal’s Work as Regent, Arizona Board of Regents
As a Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents, DuVal has worked tirelessly to shape the future of Arizona’s public universities. One of his most notable accomplishments was co-chairing the "Getting AHEAD" initiative, a program designed to improve the transferability of academic credits between community colleges and universities across the state. This initiative led to AZtransfer.com, an innovative platform that simplifies the credit transfer process and ensures students can transition seamlessly between educational institutions. The initiative has become a model for other states. DuVal's leadership in this area has been widely praised as a significant step in making higher education more accessible and flexible for students.
In addition to his work on credit transfer, DuVal has also been instrumental in addressing teacher shortages in Arizona. He played a vital role in the creation of the Arizona Teachers Academy. This program provides scholarships to students pursuing teaching careers in exchange for a commitment to teaching in Arizona’s public schools. By making it easier for aspiring educators to enter the profession, DuVal’s efforts have helped ensure that Arizona’s schools are staffed with qualified teachers who can meet the needs of the state’s growing population.
Another area where DuVal has made significant contributions is in healthcare. He led the Arizona Healthy Tomorrow initiative, which sought to create two new medical colleges in the state to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. His leadership in this area has been instrumental in ensuring that Arizona remains at the forefront of healthcare education and can meet the increasing demand for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
DuVal’s work on the Arizona Board of Regents has also included serving on several presidential search committees for the state’s public universities. His leadership in these searches has helped ensure that the universities are led by individuals committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the long-term success of the institutions.
DuVal’s Work in National Politics and the White House
DuVal’s influence extends beyond the state of Arizona and into national politics. In the late 1990s, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, he served as the White House liaison to state governors and other elected officials, coordinating policy initiatives across 25 federal agencies. He was crucial in implementing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, a major welfare reform bill that reshaped the nation’s social safety net. His work also involved advocating for transportation funding, education reform, and securing the national tobacco settlement, which addressed public health concerns related to smoking and tobacco use.
Before joining the Clinton administration, DuVal served as Deputy Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State. He oversaw diplomatic visits from foreign dignitaries, including heads of state and other high-ranking officials. His experience managing these high-profile events gave him a unique understanding of international relations and diplomacy, skills that he would later apply in his work in government and business.
Appointed Member of the IAF Board of Directors
2000 President Clinton appointed DuVal to the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Board of Directors. The IAF supports grassroots development initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean and funds projects focusing on economic development, social justice, environmental protection, and other vital regional issues. His appointment to the IAF Board reflects his ongoing commitment to international development and fostering positive change across the Americas.
Special Assistant to the Governor
Earlier in his career, DuVal worked as Special Assistant to Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt. In this role, he managed the Governor’s legislative agenda and liaised with federal agencies. His work in this capacity gave him valuable insights into the inner workings of state government and helped shape his future endeavors in public service.
DuVal’s political experience also includes managing Governor Babbitt’s re-election campaign 1978 and his presidential campaign in 1988. These experiences helped him understand the political process and the importance of effective leadership in state and national politics.
Other Activities
Fred DuVal has also strongly advocated for clean energy and environmental sustainability. He created the Pickens Plan, a national initiative to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign oil and promote renewable energy sources. His work on this initiative reflects his belief in the importance of addressing the nation’s energy needs in a way that is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.
In addition, DuVal has been involved in economic development efforts in Arizona. He served on the Arizona Commerce Board, where he helped develop the state’s long-term financial strategy. His work on this Board contributed to creating Arizona’s 10-year economic plan, which has been instrumental in shaping the state’s financial future.
DuVal’s commitment to public service extends to his work with the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Leadership Council, which he co-founded. These organizations promote progressive policies and leadership at the state and national levels. His leadership in these organizations has been vital in advocating for policies that promote social justice, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.
DuVal, the Author
In addition to his work in public service, DuVal is also an accomplished author. He has written extensively on various topics, including public policy, politics, and social issues. His book Irons in the Fire is a collection of op-ed articles offering insights into education, energy, and political reform. In Calling Arizona Home, he explores what makes Arizona unique and what attracts people to the state. His writings have been widely read and reflect his deep understanding of the issues facing Arizona and the nation.
Civic Leadership
Fred DuVal has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civic leadership throughout his career. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the University Medical Center, Children’s Action Alliance, and the Desert Botanical Garden. His philanthropic efforts have focused on improving Arizona's education, healthcare, and community development. His dedication to public service is reflected in his ongoing involvement in these and other organizations working to impact his community positively.
Education
DuVal holds a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and was recognized as the “Outstanding Senior.” He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University College of Law, where he developed the legal and policy analysis skills that would later serve him in public service and business careers.
His Personal Life
Fred was born in New Jersey and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He is an avid hiker and has made it a tradition to hike the Grand Canyon every decade for the past five decades. He is married to Dr. Jennifer Hecker DuVal, a former Director of Behavioral Health at the Mayo Clinic, and they have two sons. Together, they are committed to community service and to improving the lives of those around them.
Fred DuVal’s career is a testament to his commitment to leadership, public service, and positively impacting the world. Whether through his government, business, or philanthropy work, he continues to serve as a respected figure and tireless advocate for positive change. His legacy of service and dedication to creating lasting improvements in his community will continue to shape his work for years to come.
To Learn More, Visit: Fred DuVal: Why ASU University Research Matters More Than Ever
DuVal's career extends far beyond his role as an entrepreneur. He has been a prominent figure in Arizona’s public life, where he has dedicated much of his career to improving higher education and public policy. He currently serves his second term on the Arizona Board of Regents, the body responsible for overseeing the state's public universities. His first appointment came in 2007, and he was reappointed in 2018. Throughout his tenure, DuVal has been a driving force behind several significant initiatives to improve education in the state. His bipartisan support, appointed by both Democratic and Republican governors, reflects his ability to unite people across political divides for the common good.
DuVal’s Work as Regent, Arizona Board of Regents
As a Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents, DuVal has worked tirelessly to shape the future of Arizona’s public universities. One of his most notable accomplishments was co-chairing the "Getting AHEAD" initiative, a program designed to improve the transferability of academic credits between community colleges and universities across the state. This initiative led to AZtransfer.com, an innovative platform that simplifies the credit transfer process and ensures students can transition seamlessly between educational institutions. The initiative has become a model for other states. DuVal's leadership in this area has been widely praised as a significant step in making higher education more accessible and flexible for students.
In addition to his work on credit transfer, DuVal has also been instrumental in addressing teacher shortages in Arizona. He played a vital role in the creation of the Arizona Teachers Academy. This program provides scholarships to students pursuing teaching careers in exchange for a commitment to teaching in Arizona’s public schools. By making it easier for aspiring educators to enter the profession, DuVal’s efforts have helped ensure that Arizona’s schools are staffed with qualified teachers who can meet the needs of the state’s growing population.
Another area where DuVal has made significant contributions is in healthcare. He led the Arizona Healthy Tomorrow initiative, which sought to create two new medical colleges in the state to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. His leadership in this area has been instrumental in ensuring that Arizona remains at the forefront of healthcare education and can meet the increasing demand for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
DuVal’s work on the Arizona Board of Regents has also included serving on several presidential search committees for the state’s public universities. His leadership in these searches has helped ensure that the universities are led by individuals committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the long-term success of the institutions.
DuVal’s Work in National Politics and the White House
DuVal’s influence extends beyond the state of Arizona and into national politics. In the late 1990s, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, he served as the White House liaison to state governors and other elected officials, coordinating policy initiatives across 25 federal agencies. He was crucial in implementing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, a major welfare reform bill that reshaped the nation’s social safety net. His work also involved advocating for transportation funding, education reform, and securing the national tobacco settlement, which addressed public health concerns related to smoking and tobacco use.
Before joining the Clinton administration, DuVal served as Deputy Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State. He oversaw diplomatic visits from foreign dignitaries, including heads of state and other high-ranking officials. His experience managing these high-profile events gave him a unique understanding of international relations and diplomacy, skills that he would later apply in his work in government and business.
Appointed Member of the IAF Board of Directors
2000 President Clinton appointed DuVal to the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Board of Directors. The IAF supports grassroots development initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean and funds projects focusing on economic development, social justice, environmental protection, and other vital regional issues. His appointment to the IAF Board reflects his ongoing commitment to international development and fostering positive change across the Americas.
Special Assistant to the Governor
Earlier in his career, DuVal worked as Special Assistant to Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt. In this role, he managed the Governor’s legislative agenda and liaised with federal agencies. His work in this capacity gave him valuable insights into the inner workings of state government and helped shape his future endeavors in public service.
DuVal’s political experience also includes managing Governor Babbitt’s re-election campaign 1978 and his presidential campaign in 1988. These experiences helped him understand the political process and the importance of effective leadership in state and national politics.
Other Activities
Fred DuVal has also strongly advocated for clean energy and environmental sustainability. He created the Pickens Plan, a national initiative to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign oil and promote renewable energy sources. His work on this initiative reflects his belief in the importance of addressing the nation’s energy needs in a way that is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.
In addition, DuVal has been involved in economic development efforts in Arizona. He served on the Arizona Commerce Board, where he helped develop the state’s long-term financial strategy. His work on this Board contributed to creating Arizona’s 10-year economic plan, which has been instrumental in shaping the state’s financial future.
DuVal’s commitment to public service extends to his work with the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Leadership Council, which he co-founded. These organizations promote progressive policies and leadership at the state and national levels. His leadership in these organizations has been vital in advocating for policies that promote social justice, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.
DuVal, the Author
In addition to his work in public service, DuVal is also an accomplished author. He has written extensively on various topics, including public policy, politics, and social issues. His book Irons in the Fire is a collection of op-ed articles offering insights into education, energy, and political reform. In Calling Arizona Home, he explores what makes Arizona unique and what attracts people to the state. His writings have been widely read and reflect his deep understanding of the issues facing Arizona and the nation.
Civic Leadership
Fred DuVal has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civic leadership throughout his career. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the University Medical Center, Children’s Action Alliance, and the Desert Botanical Garden. His philanthropic efforts have focused on improving Arizona's education, healthcare, and community development. His dedication to public service is reflected in his ongoing involvement in these and other organizations working to impact his community positively.
Education
DuVal holds a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College and was recognized as the “Outstanding Senior.” He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University College of Law, where he developed the legal and policy analysis skills that would later serve him in public service and business careers.
His Personal Life
Fred was born in New Jersey and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He is an avid hiker and has made it a tradition to hike the Grand Canyon every decade for the past five decades. He is married to Dr. Jennifer Hecker DuVal, a former Director of Behavioral Health at the Mayo Clinic, and they have two sons. Together, they are committed to community service and to improving the lives of those around them.
Fred DuVal’s career is a testament to his commitment to leadership, public service, and positively impacting the world. Whether through his government, business, or philanthropy work, he continues to serve as a respected figure and tireless advocate for positive change. His legacy of service and dedication to creating lasting improvements in his community will continue to shape his work for years to come.
To Learn More, Visit: Fred DuVal: Why ASU University Research Matters More Than Ever
