Les Presmyk

Walter Lesley Presmyk is an American mining engineer and politician who has served as the 13th Arizona State Mine Inspector since 2025. Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Presmyk to the position in September 2025 following the resignation of Paul Marsh. A member of the Republican Party, Presmyk announced his intention to run for a full term in the 2026 general election.

Career Mining engineering Presmyk earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mining engineering from the University of Arizona in 1975 and worked as a mining engineer for the Salt River Project for 30 years.

Presmyk was awarded the 2017 Carnegie Mineralogical Award by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which "honors outstanding contributions in mineralogical preservation, conservation and education."

Gilbert Town Council Presmyk served on the Gilbert Town Council from 1999 to 2011, including serving three terms as vice mayor. During his time on the council, he supported new bus shelters for transit riders and finding a permanent site for the Gilbert Days Rodeo.

In 2010, Presmyk and fellow councilmember Jenn Daniels formed "Operation Welcome Home" to honor the city's veterans.

State Mining Inspector Following incumbent Arizona State Mine Inspector Paul Marsh's sudden resignation to take a new job in Texas, Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Presmyk to the position on September 15, 2025. He is running for a full term in 2026.

Personal life A resident of Gilbert since 1986, Presmyk and his wife Paula began dating as high school seniors and married after graduating college. His father was a World War II veteran and seven of his nieces and nephews have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, leading him to join Gilbert's Veteran Advisory Board and organize welcome ceremonies for returning veterans.