I am an Arizona native and have proudly lived in Gila County for nearly nine years. After graduating from law school in 2013, I became a member of the Arizona Bar the following year. My legal career has been focused almost exclusively on in-house counsel roles. I began with a nonprofit consulting firm in Mesa and currently serve as Chief Operating Officer at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

As a member of the Board of Governors for the past three years, I have witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact the State Bar has in supporting Arizona's legal community. During my tenure, I have served on multiple committees and actively contributed to advancing the Bar's mission of promoting professionalism, ensuring access to justice, and protecting the public.

The Board of Governors plays a vital role in representing Arizona's diverse legal professionals. It must consider the unique needs of attorneys in non-traditional roles and those practicing in rural areas. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for these often-overlooked members and ensure their voices remain a key part of the State Bar's conversations and decisions.

Damon Ashcraft is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, where he practices Intellectual Property law and chairs the firm's Community Involvement Committee. He is a past chair of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education Board and continues to support new and innovative ways to increase access to justice for the indigent in Arizona.

Damon is a leader within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a global organization that helps operate the web domain name system and develop Internet policy. Damon is a past chair of ICANN's nominating committee and sits on its Generic Names Supporting Organization Council, which manages policy development for top level domain names such as the ubiquitous“.com.”

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

I humbly ask for your vote. I have practiced law in Arizona for 20 years and have watched Arizona and the State Bar grow. Major issues facing our profession include an exponential increase in the cost of living, which makes it difficult to retain and recruit new lawyers to our growing state. We are also experiencing a lack cohesiveness among Arizona attorneys on several fronts—including membership in the State Bar itself.

The State Bar should recognize these challenges facing its diverse members by seeking to help attorneys improve their practices on a financial and personal level. Along these lines, rules should be streamlined or eliminated unless they are necessary. Further, the State Bar should proactively seek feedback from its members and constantly work to improve itself and the environment to practice law in Arizona.

I believe I would be a good addition to the Board. I have extensive experience with business and understand what it takes to grow a law practice. Further, I have experience building group consensus and have successfully resolved many conflicts over my career. I will bring this approach and history to Board if elected.

Jena Decker-Xu completed both her undergraduate and law school education at the University of Arizona. She practices Business Immigration Law at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP. Within the State Bar of Arizona, she is a member and Past President of the Immigration Section and Past President of the Young Lawyer’s Division. She is completing her first term on the State Bar of Arizona’s Board of Governors but was previously a Young Lawyer’s Division Representative. She is a member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association. She is committed to Pro Bono, providing assistance to many local immigration organizations and was previously recognized as a top pro bono attorney in Arizona and former chair of of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association Pro Bono Committee. 

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

The BOG is essential to ensuring our attorneys in Arizona are the best they can be and the local community is protected. My past experiences with the BOG, YLD, and outside organizations have given me the experience needed to tackle key issues facing our members today.

Diversity and inclusion is one such issue. I would like to be an advocate and ally in the promotion of diversity and inclusion within the Bar. More can be done to gather data and identify areas where real change is needed and engage with those who are truly impacted. Mere statements are not enough; action and subsequent metrics must be put in to place.

Another issue is engagement and support, especially for young lawyers. The BOG should partner more with the YLD to strategize on reaching new Bar members early, work with law schools, program to young lawyers, and partner with senior lawyers to provide mentorship. The bar has some outstanding programs that should continue to be promoted.

Jenna DeRango, originally from the Chicago suburbs, earned her law degree from ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law with the Highest Pro Bono Distinction. With nine years of experience as a prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO), Jenna has demonstrated her commitment to public service. She is passionate about advocating for victims of domestic violence and supporting children in foster care. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her family. As a community leader and advocate for equality, Jenna is an active member and former Chapter President of the Arizona Women’s Bar Association (AWLA) for Maricopa County. She has also participated in the Bar Leadership Institute (BLI) and State Bar Task Force on Social Justice, Diversity & Inclusion.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

I am interested in running for a board position to ensure that innovative ideas and diverse perspectives continue to shape the future of the State Bar of Arizona, keeping it a national leader in supporting its attorneys and advancing the practice of law. The legal landscape is evolving rapidly. With advancements in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), shifting generational views on work-life balance, changes in multijurisdictional practices, and fluctuating support for diversity and inclusion initiatives, these developments impact every member and the legal community at large. Board members must proactively collaborate with committees and workgroups to address these challenges. As a potential board member, I would advocate for providing guidance, training, and resources to help attorneys navigate their practice and ethical duties in an increasingly digital world. A focus on regulating technology and business practices fairly is a crucial component. I would also support initiatives aimed at reducing the pressures that lead to overwork and burnout. Ensuring that diverse voices, particularly those from underrepresented groups or non-traditional backgrounds, are included in decision-making processes is vital for the profession's growth. By embracing innovation and incorporating a broad range of perspectives, we can better support Arizona’s attorneys and improving the legal profession.

Integrity. Professionalism. Progress. Access to justice. These four values direct my candidacy for the Board of Governors. I offer myself as a servant, to be an advocate for our members as we embrace 21st-century challenges. 

I started my 20+ year career at a large corporate defense firm in New York. Since relocating to Arizona and joining the Arizona Bar in 2011, I’ve worked for the federal government and in small firms. Although I primarily focus on litigation, I rely on collaboration with colleagues across legal fields to serve clients effectively.

As a candidate for the Board of Governors, I honor those who mentored and supported me.
I’m committed to building on the achievements of past Boards and honing Bar policies
for our shared benefit.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

The most important issues include: non-attorneys providing legal services and investing in law firms; Artificial Intelligence's potentials and risks; erosion of public's trust in the justice system; and the high cost of legal  services for middleincome Arizonans.

If elected, I will focus on the interests of attorneys across practice areas and business models; encourage pro bono opportunities in conjunction with mentoring to serve the public and foster cross-generational collaboration; work with the judiciary to strengthen public trust; develop lesson plans for middle and high
school students about the justice system and rule of law; study best practices in other communities to propose constructive solutions and ideas; and build on the successes of prior Boards in connection with services to members.

UofA History 1979, ASU Law 1982, Admitted to State Bar 1983, 1993 Ariz Bar Foundation Pro Bono Award, AzAJ Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year 2011-2012, Ariz Bar President's Award 2016, AzAJ Lifetime Advocate Award 2019, Governor's Task Force on Access to Emergency Medicine 2006, Ariz Bar Conflict Case Committee 2002-2010, ABA House of Delegates 2011-2016, Ariz State Bar Task Force on ER1.15 2012-2013, State Bar Certified Specialist in Injury and Wrongful Death 1998 - Present. Past Chair of the East Valley Regional Health System and oversaw its merger with Dignity Health.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

I have been actively involved in the State Bar activities ranging from the Conflict Case Committee to serving as an ABA House Delegate. I am concerned about the multiple attempts to undermine the professionalism of the bar and how it might impact our ability to represent our clients and provide justice. Efforts to gut the State Bar will not increase access to justice or lower litigation costs for our clients. I would work diligently to protect our Bar, to keep Bar dues as reasonable as possible, and to bring a voice of reason and leadership to the table.

Born and raised in Phoenix and attended Brophy College Preparatory (class of 2002).

Earned bachelor’s degree and law degree from Arizona State University and Arizona Summit Law School, respectively. After being admitted to the practice of law in 2015, initially handled family, juvenile and criminal cases; since 2016, strong concentration on practice of family law matters.

Participated in or conducted complicated family litigation involving a wide variety of issues, including:

• Business valuation and taxation.
• Contested parenting time and other parenting issues.
• Third-party visitation.
• Spousal maintenance claims.
• Determination of community versus separate value involving business and other assets.

Practice also encompasses appeals of family law matters to the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

It is important to be actively involved in the community and to contribute to advancing the legal profession. I am interested in participating in same and offering any assistance I can to that end. I will happily volunteer my time to improve the legal profession for both the public and attorneys.

Some significant issues include, but are not limited to:

The rapidly changing technological landscape, especially through AI, brings unprecedented advancements and challenges to the legal world.

The current political arena and the abrupt changes being made therein have a significant impact on the legal profession.

The economic climate is also a major concern for both the public and attorneys. Costs of competent legal representation for the public must be addressed. Also, attorneys must be adequately compensated for their efforts.

Because technology, politics and the economy impact the practice of law and the statutes/rules that govern same, it is necessary to remain vigilant and to focus on keeping the legal profession up to date.

If elected, I would endeavor to collaboratively resolve these issues with my colleagues, and any other issue presented. Through effective communication and cooperation, I would try to address and reconcile all matters reasonably and with alacrity.

In my 16 years as a trial attorney, I have worked hard to be fair, honest, and accountable. I am the immediate Past President of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. My presidency was focused on the core goals of solidifying our relationships with other legal organizations, promoting our organization’s integrity and service to clients, and providing cutting-edge, top shelf CLE programs, with a focus on diversifying the perspectives of our speakers. I truly care about our profession and how we can all work together for the common benefit of helping our communities and the public at large. In my off time, I volunteer for several charities and coach all the sports teams for all three of my children.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these issues?

Over the years, it seems that basic civility among lawyers has continued to dissipate. One side is not to blame, and the issue is not confined to one area of practice. Being an attorney is stressful and difficult. When decency and integrity fall by the wayside, those stressors and difficulties are magnified exponentially. My goal is to work with the Board to promote integrity and to further strengthen relationships among Arizona attorneys. A few simple steps can help accomplish this goal. First, rule changes promulgated solely to benefit one side over the other cannot and should not be passed. Those changes simply cast doubt over the system and encourage attorneys to use underhanded practices to gain advantages. Second, when attorneys come together for events, better relationships can be built. If we offer interesting and informative seminars to State Bar members, we can lay the necessary foundation to foster those relationships. Many areas of law are adversarial, but that does not mean the interactions between counsel must be. I have spent my professional career working to help improve the lives of others, and I would be honored to turn that attention to our own legal community with the Board of Governors.

At CopperPoint Insurance Companies, my practice focuses on Worker's Compensation. A certified specialist by the State Bar of Arizona, I have argued before the Court of Appeals. Prior to CopperPoint, I served the people of Pima County as a public defender. Wildcat proud! I obtained my master's degree in international trade law from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. 

Mum of 2, Executive Board member of ABB, I am passionate about upholding the rule of law and service to others. Serving on the Board of Governors allows me to combine both passions in furtherance of our profession. 

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these issues?

One issue facing State Bar members involves annual bar dues. Members are unclear what their dues fund; and feel they do not receive sufficient practice support – resulting in a lack of confidence in the State Bar.

Although their annual dues are remitted, members must pay substantial amounts for CLE, web casts, the annual bar convention and other events. Additionally, solo and small firm practitioners cite a lack of advice and assistance when practice issues arise.

Knowing the wealth of the programs/initiatives offered by the State Bar, including the ethics hotline and practice 2.0, I hope to enhance knowledge and appreciation of member benefits.

If elected, I will suggest strategies to improve communication and transparency, promote/improved better understanding of how the Bar serves members.

After graduating from New York University School of Law in 1995, I was admitted to practice law in New York, where I remain in good standing although I do not practice there. My early years were spent primarily in the areas of complex civil litigation and class action defense at large firms in New York City.

In 2002 I moved to Arizona and was admitted to practice law here. After a few years of continuing my civil litigation practice, I worked for the Attorney General representing then-named CPS and then briefly as a county prosecutor. In 2008, I opened my own firm and now focus exclusively in the areas of family law and protective orders.

I have also served on the State Bar's Executive Committee for Solo and Small Firms and currently serve on the Family Law Practice and Procedure Committee.

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

I seek to serve on the BOG to learn more about the issues facing the profession and those with whom we interact. Some of the issues facing members include financial stability of lawyers/firms, the ability to deliver quality legal services to clients, the reputation of the legal community/justice system in the state, professionalism/lack thereof, and receiving value for their State Bar dues.

As the State Bar serves all members of the legal community, not a specific practice area or region, BOG members must be able to work to address issues which affect legal practitioners on a global and a policy level, in addition to the specific concerns of those in one area or region. With my background in multiple areas of practice, my practice throughout Arizona, and my work on committees with attorneys and judges from all of Arizona, I am able to fil this role.

My past and current work on State Bar Committees, as well as other Boards, commissions, and committees, has given me the skill set to hear and voice concerns and ideas, and to reach consensus among members.

Educational Background:
1986 Graduate of Columbia College in New York
1989 Graduate of Arizona State University College of Law

Work Experience:
1989 to 1993 Associate with Snell and Wilmer, Phoenix, Arizona
1993 to present Fitzgibbons Law Offices, P.L.C.

Judge Pro Tem for Pinal County Superior Court

Memberships and Associations:
American Bar Association; State Bar of Arizona; Board of Governors, District 8 representative 2015-2025; State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors President 2020-2021; Pinal County Bar Association (Past President, 1996); Pinal and Gila Counties Legal Aid Society (Past President, 1994); Maricopa County Bar Association; Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth--Economic Development Foundation (Past President).

Why are you interested in running for election to the Board of Governors? What do you believe are
the significant issues facing the members today? If elected, how would you hope to address these
issues?

For the last ten years, I enjoyed the distinct honor to serve as District 8 representative on the BOG; especially, in 2020-2021 as the President of the SBA. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and hope to continue. The legal profession is one of the greatest professions because, at its core, it is a service profession. As attorneys, we serve our clients, our friends, and our communities.

The SBA faces significant issues and opportunities over the next few years. With my experience on the BOG, I am uniquely qualified to offer leadership concerning these issues and the many issues that will arise in the future. The SBA must assist our members to effectively manage the evolving economic environment, clients demands, advances in technology, and provide everyone fair and appropriate access to our legal system. Our profession evolves rapidly; members need to adapt quickly, while balancing their personal and professional lives.

As your District 8 representative, I promise to work to provide meaningful access to justice, listen to any concerns you express and address those issues and to work to improve the standing of our profession. In service of these pursuits for our profession, I humbly ask for your support.