Yavapai Community College Appointments Announced
On December 18, Principal Tim Carter of Yavapai County Schools announced the appointments of Toby Payne, representing District 3, and Birkir for District 1 to the Yavapai Community College Management Committee.
Paine was initially appointed on March 21, 2023, and there were no challengers in the upcoming 2024 election.
Kiel will replace Ray Sigafos, a board member since 2018, starting November 5, representing the southwest areas of Prescott and Yavapai County.
Additionally, on December 17, Carter confirmed the appointment of Patrick Kuykendall to the board of trustees for District 4, which encompasses North Prescott, Williamson Valley, Chino Valley, Paulden, Ashfork, and Seligman.
Born and raised in Prescott, Kuykendall went through the local school system and graduated from Prescott High School. His father was a mayor and served on the Prescott City Council from 2009 to 2016. Kuykendall joined the military in 1983, completing a four-year active duty stint before spending 18 years in the Arizona Army National Guard, retiring as a First Sergeant in 2005.
After his military service, he became the executive director for the U.S. Department of Defense Security Guards and worked in various roles including with the Department of Labor for Arizona’s Veterans State Grant. Ultimately, he became the Arizona Business Services Officer in Yavapai County, collaborating daily with the Yavapai Community College Regional Economic Development Centre.
On December 31, Carter received the resignation letter from board member Criskño, who is transitioning to an elected position on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors.
Carter posted the nonpartisan vacancies to serve the remaining two years of the current term, receiving interest from three eligible candidates prior to the deadline.
Appointments to community colleges are made with input from the Candidate Review Board, which gathers a diverse group of community members in District 4. Carter expressed gratitude for the committee’s volunteer work. County supervisor Craig Brown, along with representatives for taxpayers, students, university faculty, and economic development, were noted for their roles in this process.
The committee evaluated materials, created interview questions, and conducted interviews to assess candidates. They also provided their perspectives to Carter, who, along with the committee, interviewed three finalists on December 13.
On December 16, Carter offered residents the chance to meet with him in Prescott, providing contact information for anyone wishing to connect. Individual discussions with current board members were also facilitated either directly or via phone.
Several residents shared their thoughts with the inspector regarding the appointments, which Carter acknowledged and appreciated.
Kuykendall was officially sworn in at the Yavapai County Educational Services Agency on December 17, with his term set to conclude on December 31, 2026. He has indicated plans to run for a new term during the 2026 election cycle, which would commence in January 2027.
