Kelli Butler is an Arizona native with deep roots in the community. She grew up in Scottsdale, attended public school, took classes at Scottsdale Community College and studied elementary education at the University of Arizona. Kelli's husband, Ben, is a general dentist, and they have worked together for many years to manage Butler Family Dental in Glendale, AZ. Although Kelli's work experience is mainly in the healthcare industry, much of her volunteer and community experience focuses on education. She first became interested in education policy and funding as the parent of two boys attending schools in the Madison Elementary District. She volunteered in their classrooms, and later served on committees and boards at both the school and district levels. During their high school years, Kelli encouraged her sons to participate in dual enrollment courses offered through the Maricopa County Community College system, preparing them to successfully complete their degrees at Arizona's public universities. Kelli's interest in public education inspired her to run for the Arizona State House of Representatives. She was elected as a State Representative in 2016 and has served in the legislature for six years. Most recently, she was appointed Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee. Advocating for funding for quality K-12 public schools and for access to post-secondary public education have been among her highest priorities as a state legislator. Kelli knows the Maricopa County Community College system plays a crucial role in the future success of its students, and in the future of our state’s economy as well. Arizona’s prosperity is dependent on its ability to train its workforce for the jobs of the future. Kelli is dedicated to strengthening the Maricopa Community College system and helping students more readily access their quality, affordable educational opportunities and training programs. Our future — and theirs — depends on it.
