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Power AZ Cools the Pressures of the Utility Bill

Thursday April 16, 2026

Recognizing that high energy rates are stretching household budgets thin, Governor Hobbs dedicated $15 million to make utility relief more accessible for everyday Arizonans. The launch of Power AZ marks a major shift in how DES is tackling the affordability crisis, providing a critical financial cushion for families struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living and mounting energy bills. As Arizonans struggle to keep up with rising costs, I’m taking action to deliver relief to families...

Blog

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...

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...

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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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