Doug Ducey

Doug Ducey is recognized as one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs and governors. He was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and began his business career at Procter & Gamble. He later became CEO of Cold Stone Creamery, leading its expansion from a single store to 1,400 locations in the U.S. and 10 other countries.

Ducey was elected Arizona’s 23rd Governor in 2014 and re-elected by a larger margin in 2018. During his tenure, he implemented historic policy initiatives, including the lowest flat income tax rate in the U.S., a first-in-nation Civics test requirement for high school graduation, and removing licensing barriers to employment. He also reduced or improved over 3,365 regulations, saving the equivalent of $183 million in taxes.

Ducey is particularly known for pioneering Education Scholarship Accounts and universal school choice, giving families the option to select the best school for their children. This program has become a model for other states. Conservative columnist George Will called Ducey the “most successful 21st-century governor.”

Under Ducey’s leadership, Arizona saw significant growth, adding over 500,000 private-sector jobs while shrinking the size of state government by 5,000 employees. His economic development initiatives attracted investments, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and healthcare. Ducey served as Chairman of the Republican Governors Association and was the first governor since Ronald Reagan to be re-elected by his peers for multiple terms in this role.

He is a dedicated Arizona State Sun Devil, a committed Catholic, and a proud father. Ducey lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona, with his wife, Angela, and their three sons.