Whitworth University Board of Trustees elects John Kaites as newest member

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees has elected businessman, lawyer, and former Arizona state senator John Kaites as its newest member.

Kaites is currently the owner of numerous companies including Public Policy Partners, Avant Strategies, Business 2 Government, Procurement Partners, and P3. He is also a partner in the law firm Ridenour, Hienton & Lewis, in Phoenix, Ariz.

A leader in business and public policy, Kaites worked as an assistant attorney general for the State of Arizona beginning in 1989, serving with the Organized Crime and Racketeering Division and the Environmental Crimes Section. He was also prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office before serving three terms in Arizona’s legislature as a state representative and senator.

“The astounding breadth of John’s experience in both the private and public sectors will be a tremendous asset to our board as it continues to carry out a strategic vision for Whitworth’s future,” says Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor. “I could not be more excited to have him come aboard as a trustee.”

As a member of the Arizona State Legislature, Kaites chaired the Judiciary Committee and   the Banking and Insurance Committee. He authored and helped pass the Securities Litigation Reform Act, Interstate Banking and Branching Act, and The Privilege of Self Critical Analysis for Products Liability Act. He also sponsored the final draft rewrites of the Arizona Criminal Code and Arizona Juvenile Justice Code.

Kaites also has extensive experience with professional sports franchises and leagues. Over the course of his career, he has represented 14 Major League Baseball clubs, two NBA basketball teams, the National Hockey League, an arena football franchise, and a minor league baseball team.

After graduating from Allegheny College, in Meadville, Penn., Kaites attended and graduated from the Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, Penn. In 2012, he graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Certificate of Christian Studies.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Scott McQuilkin, vice president for institutional advancement, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4386 or smcquilkin@whitworth.edu.

Lucas Beechinor, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or lbeechinor@whitworth.edu.