Governor Katie Hobbs has appointed James “Jimmy” McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents, naming him the new representative for northern Arizona.
McCain, the youngest son of the late U.S. Senator John McCain and Cindy McCain, is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a businessman, and a two-time graduate of Arizona State University. He currently lives in Cornville, near Sedona.
“Jimmy McCain is a veteran, a businessman, and native Arizonan who is passionate about connecting every Arizona community to the education they need to thrive,” Hobbs said in a statement. “His long track record of public service and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities of northern Arizona make him well positioned to advocate for the students of the region.”
In accepting the appointment, McCain emphasized expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. “I am excited to help strengthen higher education across our state and ensure that students from every background, especially those in our Tribal and rural communities, have access to the educational tools they need to succeed,” he said.
McCain enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, serving four years and completing two deployments before his honorable discharge in 2010. He later joined the Army National Guard, where he deployed twice more and earned a commission as a First Lieutenant and intelligence officer.
Between deployments, McCain earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s from ASU, as well as a second master’s degree from Trinity College Dublin. He is now pursuing a doctorate in education focused on improving healthcare outcomes for Native American veterans within the Indian Health Service system.
Outside of military and academic pursuits, McCain serves on the boards of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, and Hensley Beverage Company.
The Board of Regents oversees Arizona’s three public universities — ASU, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University — shaping policies and priorities for higher education across the state.
