Arizona Department of Economic Security

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Navigating the Impact of H.R. 1 on SNAP

Thursday June 25, 2026

The passage of H.R. 1 has disrupted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with the most sweeping structural changes and strict administrative penalties seen in a generation. From sharp federal funding cost-shifts to tightened eligibility parameters, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has been forced to rapidly overhaul our process to administer vital nutrition benefits. Yet, amid this nationwide disruption, Arizona is continuing to navigate this new normal. Thanks...

Blog

Navigating the Impact of H.R. 1 on SNAP

June 25, 2026

The passage of H.R. 1 has disrupted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with the most sweeping structural changes and strict...

Father cuddles playfully with two young children as mother watches nearby.

Power AZ Cools the Pressures of the Utility Bill

April 16, 2026

Recognizing that high energy rates are stretching household budgets thin, Governor Hobbs dedicated $15 million to make utility relief more...

Making the Connections: Access to Quality, Affordable Child Care in Arizona

March 4, 2026

For countless working parents of young children in Arizona, conversations often center around two essential questions: Who will care for my children...

Business Team Looking at Sticky Notes Posted on Glass Wall

Standing Strong: Navigating H.R.1's Impact on the Department of Economic Security (DES) with Resilience and Commitment

February 10, 2026

Major federal legislation can feel distant from day-to-day life. Still, for DES, Arizona’s state human services agency, changes made in Washington...

Family child father mother hand holding hands children outdoors household

Curating an Affordable, Sustainable Arizona: Governor Hobbs’ Executive Budget Strengthens the Department of Economic Security's Impact

February 6, 2026

The Governor’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Executive Budget marks a bold step toward strengthening Arizona’s economic foundation and enhancing services for...

The Arizona Promise: How Governor Hobbs’ State of the State Sets the Stage for DES Impact

January 15, 2026

Governor Katie Hobbs’ State of the State address delivered a powerful and hopeful vision for Arizona—one rooted in opportunity, security, and shared...

Welcome to the DES Director’s Blog

January 15, 2026

I am pleased to share that DES is reinstating the Director’s Blog. Its purpose is to provide a central location for key Department messages,...

Michael Wisehart, Director

Director Wisehart wearing business suit

Michael Wisehart is an experienced leader with over 24 years of progressive responsibility in State service. He is passionately committed to improving the lives of Arizonans across all walks of life. He returns to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) where he served as the Deputy Director and State Comptroller, overseeing the IT, Accounting, Budget, Procurement, and School Facilities Divisions.

Before serving as Deputy Director for ADOA, he held the position of Interim Director for the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and was previously the Director of ADES. In addition to his three years as Director, Mr. Wisehart served as the Assistant Director for both the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility overseeing the SNAP and Cash Assistance programs in Arizona. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of other positions within ADES including the Department’s Chief Financial Officer during the Great Recession.

Playing key roles within ADES during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the prior recession, Mr. Wisehart is a strong problem-solver and collaborative leader focused on supporting Arizonans in need while recognizing the important fiduciary responsibility of the Department. He is a champion for process improvement and staff development and will focus on community partnerships and improving the customer experience for ADES clients and stakeholders.

A native Arizonan, Mr. Wisehart has both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Arizona State University and is the proud father of two amazing boys.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification

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