A former teacher, educator, small business owner and volunteer, Nadine Mathis Basha has spent her adult life advocating for Arizona’s children, particularly with regard to early childhood education within the state.

Mrs. Mathis Basha developed Proposition 203, which was approved by voters in November 2006 -- a ballot initiative to generate tax funds to establish a comprehensive system of early childhood development and health. The First Things First (FTF) board is in charge of the implementation and oversight of Proposition 203. Mrs. Mathis Basha was appointed as the first chair of the founding board of FTF for its first two years and continues to serve as a member on the board. In 2010, Mrs. Mathis Basha, once again, led a successful ballot initiative campaign preserving the funding for FTF.

Mrs. Mathis Basha has served on numerous boards and committees in conjunction with state and community agencies, the Governor’s Office and Arizona State University. In 1989, she founded the Children’s Action Alliance, a children’s public policy advocacy group that has significantly influenced the policies that enhance educational and medical needs for families with considerable financial constraints.

Her accomplishments in the field of early childhood have been acknowledged by the countless awards she has received over the years.

Mrs. Mathis Basha was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from the University of Arizona in December 2009. She also holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Education from Northern Arizona University as well as Arizona State University‘s Distinguished Achievement Award. She received a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Mathis Basha is serving a 6-year term ending on January 21, 2013.