Commission
Kandace French Contreras, MMC, CLA, MA, is an Arizona native with over 30 years of experience in the legal profession. She is the Town Clerk, Treasurer and Election Official for the Town of Carefree, Arizona since her appointment in 2013. Prior to that time, she was with the Arizona Supreme Court, Certification and Licensing Division for ten years where she specialized in the certification, licensing, auditing, and training of professionals under the jurisdiction of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
As a lifelong equestrian, Kandace competes in distance events with the American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC) and the North American Trail Riders Conference (NATRC) as well as exploring the backcountry by horseback. Among their other achievements, Kandace and her Tennessee Walking Horse, Yankee, earned the coveted Decade Team Award from the AERC in 2021. This award acknowledges a rider who has kept an equine sound and actively competing in 50-mile events for ten years.
Kandace received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Leadership from Arizona State University, her Master of Arts in Communication and IT Project Management from Bellevue University and graduated from the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy in 2021.
Graduating from Arizona State University – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Tracy Olson is an associate at the law offices of Snell & Wilmer, where she focuses her practice in special litigation and compliance. She represents both businesses and individuals in constitutional, government relations and regulatory matters. Prior to her current position, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Hon. Clint Bolick from 2017 to 2018.
Chuck Coolidge, Vice President for Corporate Affairs for VieMed Healthcare, has 16 years of corporate and political experience, both internationally and in almost every U.S. state. He leads across the organization by working with product teams and business disciplines (sales, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, operations and PR) to develop, implement, and evaluate VieMed's products and offerings.
Before moving into the health care industry Chuck worked for a national public relations firm heading up their business development division and overseeing the companies public affairs, developing strategic initiatives for corporate clients, operation management, corporate social responsibility campaigns, and brand marketing efforts. He also spent two years as US Senator John McCain’s Press Aide and Southern Arizona Outreach Correspondent.
Chuck currently serves as the Vice President of the Phoenix Art Museum’s Men’s Art Council Board & Copperstate Overland Chairman. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of Arizona, a Leadership Institute Graduate, and an alum of Valley Leadership Class 37.
A Native Arizonan and entrepreneur at heart. Jay’s career began with radio broadcasting in Tucson, while attending the University of Arizona. This followed by more than a decade of radio and television station management positions in Tucson, Phoenix and Las Vegas. In the 90’s Jay founded and operated Telemundo television stations in Tucson and Phoenix. By 2000, Jay acquired and operated the Tucson Sidewinders, Triple A Baseball Franchise for the AZ Diamondbacks. Jay was also the Executive Producer, and held Spanish TV rights for Major League Baseball. Jay’s organization produced over 70 live MLB baseball games over three seasons creating a sports network in Arizona, Nevada and Northern Mexico.
Jay’s business ownership included the creation and hands-on operation for Broadcast Intelligence Inc, Security Services, Sunrise Accounting, The Maverick, Toros Promotions & Concerts, and Wine Mountains.
Jay was the recipient of the 2003 Silver Medal Award for outstanding Community Leadership. Jay also received the Copper Cactus Community Service Business of the year Award. Jay has been Past President of Rotary Club of the White Mountains, as well as a previous member of the DM-50 and an “Honorary Squadron Commander” for the 563rd MXS Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Jay served as Arizona State Commissioner for the Professional Baseball & Softball Commission, and was previously licensed by the State of Arizona as a Professional Boxing Promoter, and certified as a Liquor Manager. Jay has served on numerous Boards and is a Life Member of the FBI Citizens Academy.
Jay and his wife Debbi have five daughters, one son and seven grandchildren, and now reside in Pinetop, Arizona.
Judge James Padish (ret.) is a former Superior Court of Arizona for Maricopa County judge. He returned to private practice in Scottsdale, focusing on litigation, including family law, personal injury and criminal law. He also is sought as a mediator and expert witness in a variety of matters.
Jim has tried hundreds of cases including divorce, medical malpractice, mental health, insurance fraud, tax evasion, commercial, white-collar crimes as well as capital offenses. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, federal District Court, and the Arizona, Illinois and Indiana state bars.
Jim was twice elected as President of the Scottsdale Bar Association. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers, is an annual selectee to Super Lawyers, and is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, all peer-reviewed honors. He was inducted into the Hall of Distinction at his alma mater, the University of Illinois - Chicago School of Law. He achieved a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University.
A lifelong horse racing fan, Jim is a past owner of thoroughbred race horses in Arizona. He and his wife, Gay Lynn, enjoy visiting racetracks in other states, with Keenland on his "bucket list."
