Fred DuVal

Fred DuVal is a respected entrepreneur, civic leader, author, and trusted advisor whose career spans both the public and private sectors. As the founder and President of DuVal and Associates, a consulting firm established in 2001, he has spent over two decades advising clients on navigating complex government affairs, policy strategies, and regulatory landscapes. His clients have included some of the nation’s most prominent corporations, organizations, and institutions, who rely on his expertise in understanding and influencing public policy at local, state, and federal levels. With a strong focus on the healthcare, energy, and education sectors, DuVal has helped companies align their goals with evolving public policies, creating sustainable solutions that contribute to long-term success.

Throughout his career, Fred has committed to positively impacting his community, mainly through his leadership roles in Arizona. He has actively shaped the state’s education system, economic policy, and public welfare. His deep understanding of how government and business intersect, coupled with his ability to build cross-sector collaborations, has made him a sought-after advisor and advocate for progressive policies that aim to improve the quality of life for citizens in Arizona and beyond. His leadership and expertise have positioned him as a trusted voice in state and national political discussions.

Duval's Work as Regent, Arizona Board of Regents

One of Fred’s most significant contributions has been his long-term involvement in higher education governance. Serving as a Regent on the Arizona Board of Regents since 2007, he has played a central role in overseeing Arizona’s public universities, ensuring that they meet the educational needs of the state’s growing population while maintaining academic rigor and financial sustainability. DuVal was first appointed to the Board by a Democratic governor. It was reappointed for a second term by a Republican governor, making him one of the few individuals appointed by both parties. This bipartisan trust is a testament to his ability to navigate political divides and advocate for policies that benefit students, faculty, and the public.

During his time on the Board of Regents, he has led numerous initiatives to enhance access to higher education, improve affordability, and foster greater collaboration between the state’s community colleges and universities. For example, DuVal co-chaired the “Getting AHEAD” initiative with a community college leader, a program designed to improve the transferability of credits between Arizona’s community colleges and universities. The program led to AZtransfer.com, an online tool that simplifies the credit transfer process, ensuring students can move between institutions with fewer barriers. This initiative has been recognized nationally as a model for improving the efficiency of credit transfer and helping students complete their degrees on time and cost-effectively.

DuVal also spearheaded efforts to address Arizona's shortage of healthcare professionals. He led the Arizona Healthy Tomorrow initiative, a plan to create two new medical colleges in the state to train the next generation of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers to meet the growing service demand. His leadership in these efforts has helped position Arizona’s universities as key players in the regional and national healthcare education system.

In addition to his work on healthcare and credit transfer, DuVal has focused on improving the overall affordability and accessibility of higher education in Arizona. He has championed scholarships and financial aid programs, ensuring that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to higher education opportunities. His work in this area continues to shape the future of Arizona’s educational system.

DuVal’s Work in National Politics and the White House

Fred DuVal’s influence is not limited to state-level governance; he has also played a significant role in national politics. In the late 1990s, he served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs under President Bill Clinton. In this role, he managed the White House’s relationships with state and local governments and coordinated federal efforts across various policy areas. He worked closely with governors, mayors, and other elected officials to ensure federal policies were effectively implemented at the state and local levels.

DuVal’s work in the White House included negotiating critical legislation, such as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which reformed the nation’s welfare system. He was also deeply involved in efforts related to transportation funding, education reform, and public health policy. His ability to broker agreements and build coalitions across different levels of government made him a valuable asset to the Clinton administration during a significant policy change.

Before his role in the White House, DuVal held a leadership position at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Chief of Protocol. He was responsible for managing the logistics of high-level diplomatic visits, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and other dignitaries. In this capacity, he gained invaluable experience in international relations and diplomacy, skills that would serve him well in his future public service work.

Appointed Member of the IAF Board of Directors

In 2000, President Clinton appointed DuVal to serve on the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF). The IAF is a U.S. government agency that supports community-based development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a board member, he helped oversee the foundation’s efforts to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty, and empower local communities through small grants. His work with the IAF further demonstrated his commitment to international development and belief in grassroots initiatives' power to drive positive change.

Special Assistant to the Governor

DuVal served as Special Assistant to Governor Bruce Babbitt of Arizona earlier in his career. In this role, he managed the Governor’s legislative agenda and served as a liaison to federal agencies. His work with Governor Babbitt helped lay the foundation for his later career in politics and public service. DuVal’s experience in state government gave him a solid understanding of the inner workings of the political system and the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments to achieve effective policy outcomes.

DuVal’s early political experience also included managing Governor Babbitt’s successful re-election campaign in 1978 and his presidential campaign in 1988. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of the political process and honed his campaign strategy and public relations skills.

Other Activities

Fred DuVal has been involved in various initiatives outside his formal government roles. He has advocated for clean energy and environmental sustainability, working with organizations such as the Pickens Plan to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign oil and promote renewable energy solutions. He has also been involved in economic development efforts in Arizona, including serving on the Arizona Commerce Board and helping to craft the state’s 10-year economic development plan.

Additionally, DuVal is a co-founder of the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Leadership Council, organizations dedicated to promoting progressive leadership at the state and national levels. His work with these organizations has helped shape public policy in healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

DuVal, the Author

In addition to his work in government and business, DuVal is an accomplished writer. He has authored several opinion pieces on political and social issues, including the book Irons in the Fire, which features a collection of op-ed articles on a wide range of topics such as public policy, education reform, and clean energy. In Calling Arizona Home, he examines the factors that make Arizona unique, from its cultural history to its economic and political landscape. His writings reflect his deep understanding of Arizona’s challenges and opportunities and his broader perspective on national issues.

Civic Leadership

DuVal has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to civic leadership, serving on the boards of numerous organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Arizona and beyond. These include the University Medical Center, Children’s Action Alliance, and the Desert Botanical Garden. DuVal’s philanthropic work reflects his belief in the power of community-based organizations to drive positive change and his dedication to improving education, healthcare, and the environment.

Education

Fred holds a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College, where he was named “Outstanding Senior.” He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Arizona State University College of Law, which has provided him with the legal and policy expertise that has informed his work in both public service and business.

His Personal Life

Fred DuVal was born in New Jersey and raised in Tucson, Arizona. An avid outdoors enthusiast, he has hiked the Grand Canyon each decade for the past five decades, a testament to his love for nature and the outdoors. He is married to Dr. Jennifer Hecker DuVal, a former Director of Behavioral Health at the Mayo Clinic, and they have two sons. Together, they have dedicated themselves to their community and continue to work toward improving the lives of those around them.

Fred’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, leadership, and positively impacting his community. Whether through his work in government, business, or philanthropy, DuVal remains a respected figure whose legacy of service and dedication will continue to influence his work for years. His ability to build bridges between government and business, advocate for effective policy, and lead with integrity makes him a valuable asset to the state of Arizona and the broader national community.

To Learn More, Visit: Fred DuVal: Why ASU University Research Matters More Than Ever