New director for Arizona Department of Economic Security

PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Department of Economic Security has a new director.

Michael Wisehart will replace Tom Betlach, who announced Sunday that he will be stepping down as DES director on June 3.

Betlach came out of retirement in March to take the DES job.

Gov. Doug Ducey announced Wisehart’s appointment on Thursday.

Wisehart has served in leadership roles at DES for the past 20 years.

Ducey said Wisehart “brings unmatched leadership experience across the areas of operations, budgeting and direct service.”

Wisehart said the mission of DES is as important as ever due to the high rate of unemployment in Arizona because of the COVID-19 pandemic.