Susan Bitter Smith
| Susan Bitter Smith | |
|---|---|
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| Arizona Corporation Commission President | |
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In office 2013 – January 4, 2016 |
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| Succeeded by | Andy Tobin |
| President of the Central Arizona Project | |
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In office 2007–2013 |
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| Vice Mayor, Scottsdale, Arizona | |
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In office 1992–1992 |
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| City Council, Scottsdale | |
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In office 1988–1992 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1956 (age 60–61) |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Arizona State University |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | [1] |
Susan Bitter Smith (born 1956) is currently the vice-president of Technical Solutions, and executive director Arizona/New Mexico Cable Communications Association. She is a registered Republican in the state of Arizona, and has held multiple public offices. She most recently served as Chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission., but resigned in December 2015 amid controversy (see below). Prior to serving on the ACC, she was president of the Central Arizona Project, and before that Vice Mayor for Scottsdale, Arizona. She has also served as a member for American Society of Association Executives (past chair, Key Award winner, Women Who Advance Excellence award winner and fellow). Her other memberships include, St. Theresa Catholic School Development Board, and president of the ASU Walter Cronkite Endowment Board (1998-1999)
Bitter Smith received her bachelors from Arizona State University in 1977. In 1982 she graduated, also from Arizona State with her M.B.A. Since graduating she has stayed active with the school as honorary chair of the ASU MBA Alumni Association. In 2003, she received the Alumni Achievement Award.
During Bitter Smith's tenure as president, she was involved with the federal finalization of the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement. This settlement was the largest Indian water rights settlement in U.S. history and went into full effect in 2008. Senator Jon Kyle was the primary sponsor. Bitter Smith commented on the work:
"The work started during Grady Gammage's term as president and continued by Bill Perry, was finalized during my term as we finally resolved the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement..."
The legislation was signed by President Bush in 2004, but was not fully implemented until "all actions necessary to complete the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement and amend the Souther Arizona Water Rights Settlement of 1982".
Bitter Smith served as a councilmember from 1988 to 1992. During that time she participated on the Charter Review Advisory Committee, Council District Advisory Task Force, and Charter Review Task Force
Recently, Bitter Smith has received significant media attention regarding a complaint filed against her with the Arizona Attorney General for conflict of interest. On September 15, 2015, in an article titled "Susan Bitter Smith Should Resign," the Arizona Republic wrote, "The Susan Bitter Smith death watch has officially begun." Bitter Smith announced she would be resigning from the Commission effective January 4, 2016. Bitter Smith lobbies for the telecommunications industry. She also regulates the telecommunications industry. Bitter-Smith defended her position:
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Wikipedia