Chad Sampson, the executive director of the Arizona Board of Regents, has been appointed as a commissioner to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). He will join Arizona Commissioners Todd Haynie, president of Eastern Arizona College, and Kathleen Goeppinger, president and CEO of Midwestern University. The commissioners represent 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States within the WICHE region. The commission guides WICHE's direction and ensures that the Western Regional Education Compact is carried out for the benefit of the West.
"I am deeply grateful to Governor Hobbs for appointing me to the WICHE Commission and honored to stand alongside such dedicated colleagues in our shared mission to unlock the transformative power of postsecondary education for every student," said Sampson. "Together, we have the opportunity to break down barriers, expand horizons, and create pathways for students to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. I am eager to collaborate with my fellow commissioners to make this vision a reality and empower the next generation to succeed."
Sampson was named executive director by the Arizona Board of Regents in August 2024. He joined the board in 2010 as associate general counsel before transitioning to vice president roles in strategic planning and academic affairs. A member of the State Bar of Arizona since 2002, he has also worked with Quarles & Brady law firm and served as counsel for the Arizona Department of Education at the Attorney General’s Office.
Active in education circles, Sampson serves on WestEd's Board of Directors. His previous board roles include Tempe Preparatory Academy, Center for After School Excellence, and Arizona State Board of Education’s Professional Practices Advisory Committee. He has also taught as an adjunct professor at Mesa Community College.
"Commissioner Sampson’s background and service in the education community make him an invaluable asset to the WICHE Commission," said WICHE President Demarée Michelau. "His commitment to supporting educational opportunities aligns with WICHE’s mission and strategic priorities of expanding student access and success through sound public policy and resource sharing, and I have no doubt that his expertise will play a key role in advancing our work at WICHE."
Sampson holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology and political science from the University of Utah along with a juris doctorate from University of Iowa College of Law. He resides with his wife Amber; they have five children.