This will be the first time each Supervisor has served in these leadership positions. Chair Begay has served as Vice Chair since August 2023, and Vice Chair Horstmann served as Chair from February 2022 to August 2023.

Chairman Begay was first elected to the Board in 2020 after serving on the Tuba City Public Schools Board for more than 14 years as well as on the board of several other nonprofit organizations. He also has experience in management and oversight of health programs, school operations, facilities management, roads and infrastructure, and public housing.

“First, I want to thank the board. My father told me, 'Never forget your culture, never forget where you come from.' When I was growing up, I would wake up every morning to tend sheep, cows, horses and goats, and fetch water for my family. It was hard work, but it had to be done. That early discipline prepared me to excel in higher education, making me a well-rounded person and prepared me for this leadership responsibility. Growing up on Navajo land, I never thought I'd be in a position to serve on this board,” Begay said. “I love public service, and serving on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors is what public service is all about. Once again, I want to thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this leadership responsibility.”

Vice Chair Horstman was also elected to the board in 2020 after practicing law in Flagstaff for many years and co-founding the law firm of Hufford, Horstman, Monzini, Parnell & Tucker. She also actively participates in numerous nonprofit organizations, state and local boards and committees, and community activities, including serving as president of the Coconino County Bar Association and the Northern Arizona Women's Bar Association.

Outgoing 2nd District Supervisor Chairman Jeronimo Vazquez passed the speaker's gavel during the ceremony and praised and congratulated both of his colleagues.

“I look forward to Chairman Begay's leadership of this committee,” Vazquez said. “I appreciate the support I've received from my colleagues and county staff during my tenure as chairman and am pleased to continue representing District 2 on this committee.”

“I want to thank Supervisor Vasquez for the outstanding job he has done for the county as board chair, as he has guided us through the recent annual budget process and leadership transition at the County Manager's Office,” Vice Chair Horstman added. “I also want to thank him for the care and consideration he has shown to his staff and board members while guiding us through a very challenging time.”

The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be on Tuesday, June 11th, with an Executive Committee meeting at 3pm, followed by the regular meeting starting at 6pm. The agenda and a link to the livestreaming of the meeting can be found on the County website: https://www.coconino.az.gov/1589/BOS-Video-Stream