Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Departure of Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, Adjutant General of Arizona and Director of Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, the Adjutant General of Arizona and Director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, will be departing the administration on June 7, 2025. She is returning to her civilian position as a professor at Mesa Community College, a role from which she has been on military leave for the past four years. In her current role, she oversees Arizona's Army and Air National Guard, Joint Programs, and the Division of Emergency Management. Governor Hobbs released the following statement:

“I am grateful to Major General Muehlenbeck for her service to the people of Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “She is a valued member of my cabinet who is dedicated to fostering public safety across the state. Under her leadership, the Arizona National Guard launched Task Force SAFE, a critical ongoing effort that is preventing dangerous drugs from entering our state. In addition, the Division of Emergency Management and Arizona National Guard embarked on one of its largest rescue missions to date, evacuating more than 100 people when devastating floods swept through Havasupai. I wish Major General Muehlenbeck the best in her future endeavors.”

 

“It has been an honor to serve as Arizona’s Adjutant General,” said Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck. “To be able to work alongside dedicated men and women, both in and out of uniform, in service to Arizona and the nation is a privilege beyond measure. I appreciate the trust of Governor Hobbs, Governor Ducey, and both their teams. I will always value their commitment to protecting the citizens of Arizona.”

Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck entered the active duty Air Force as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General Corps in 1992.  Upon her separation from active duty, she joined the Arizona Air National Guard in 1997 where she served in various legal and command roles.  Always a traditional drill status guardsman, Maj. Gen. Muehlenbeck also has a distinguished civilian career as an attorney and educator.  She served as an Assistant Prosecutor in Saginaw County, a Deputy County Attorney at the Pima County Attorney’s Office, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and full time residential faculty at Mesa Community College.  General Muehlenbeck earned a B.S. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, a J.D. from Indiana School of Law, an LL.M. in Criminal Law from the University of San Diego School of Law, and a Ph.D. in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. Her military education includes Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.

 

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