The man in charge of the Arizona National Guard and the state’s emergency department is stepping down next month.
Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire said he had plans to retire a year ago. Then the pandemic hit, and it would not have been right for him to leave. Now he feels like there’s a team of talent behind him who can do the job.
“I think one of the real keys to being a great leader is understanding when it’s time to leave the stage,” said McGuire.
McGuire has led the Arizona National Guard since 2013.
“I'll give you a football analogy. I think we're in the middle of the fourth quarter with about a 10-point lead. We've seen teams blow the lead with a 10-point lead. But I think if you continue on, I'm confident that we're going to get to the herd immunity level with the vaccinations,” said McGuire.
His position as Adjutant General placed him at the head of the state Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, which is an advisory position to Gov. Doug Ducey.
Ducey called McGuire’s leadership critical in Arizona’s navigation of the pandemic.
His last day is scheduled to be in April.
