House Minority Leader Fernandez appoints Anthropologist Shereen Lerner to the AZ Independent Redistricting Commission

Subsequent to denial of temporary restraining order in court today, Charlene Fernandez selected Maricopa County resident and anthropology/archeology professor to serve for the next ten years as a Redistricting Commissioner. More info to come.

House Democratic Leader Fernandez Selects Shereen Lerner for Independent Redistricting Commission 

 

PHOENIX – House Democratic Leader Charlene Fernandez has chosen Dr. Shereen Lerner of Tempe to serve on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. Lerner is an award-winning anthropology and archeology professor at Mesa Community College, as well as a deeply committed community leader and volunteer. 

 

"Shereen Lerner was far and away the most qualified candidate we interviewed, and I'm proud to select her for this vital role in our state's history," said Fernandez, D-Yuma. "Redistricting is an intense and highly challenging process that requires a combination of intelligence, communication skills and strength of character to succeed. That is exactly what Dr. Lerner will bring to the Commission. As an anthropologist and historic preservationist, she has a great sense of the history and of the people of Arizona, and she has built deep long-lasting relationships with diverse communities throughout the entire state that will serve her well. And lastly, Dr. Lerner understands that, of all the leadership roles she has taken on to better her community, this could be the most important and impactful for her state."  

 

Lerner earned her Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 1984. She has held nearly a dozen volunteer posts on City of Tempe advisory boards and is currently a member of the Tempe Census 2020 Committee. She has also held several leadership roles in the Society for American Archaeology and has served in board or leadership capacities on the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and National Park Service National Historic Landmarks Advisory Board. Lerner has taught at Mesa Community College for 29 years and was inducted its Hall of Fame in 2016.  

 

"I truly appreciate the honor of serving on the Independent Redistricting Commission and look forward to important work that lies ahead," Lerner said. "Creating fair and competitive legislative and Congressional districts that reflect Arizona's diverse population and communities of interest is an incredible responsibility, and I will carry out those duties to the best of my abilities at all times." 

Please see letter attached.

 

-30-