Three decades of executive, sales and consulting experience, software development, project management and Web-based technologies prepared Doug Little to take the helm as chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission this week in Phoenix.

Commissioners voted Tuesday to confirm Little as chairman. Until now, Little has been serving as an interim chairman in place of outgoing Chairman Susan Bitter Smith, who resigned last year.

With practice in an array of technology companies, service to several state-level committees and experience on task forces, Little brings much to the office. Outlining his goals for the coming year, he emphasized his high level of dedication to the position.

“Over the next 12 to 18 months, the commission will tackle several large rate cases and a major hearing on distributed generation,” Little said. “I will be working with my fellow commissioners and our outstanding commission staff to do the best job possible for the people of Arizona. We are absolutely committed to ensuring a fair, balanced and comprehensive evaluation of all the issues that come before us at the commission.”

Topping Little’s list of priorities is renewable energy, including cost-effective energy and water infrastructure for Arizona.

“It is an honor to serve this commission,” Little said. “There is important business that happens in every division of the commission every day. As chairman, I want to support that hard work while tackling the important regulatory issues that affect us all, like keeping water and energy costs affordable while supporting economic development to keep Arizona’s future bright.”