Andrew Jackson Bettwy (1920–2004) was an American attorney, military officer, and public official who served as the Arizona State Land Commissioner. He is primarily recognized for his leadership in managing Arizona’s state trust lands and his high-ranking service in the Arizona National Guard.
Born in Nogales, Arizona, Bettwy was the son of Andrew Bettwy, a former mayor of Nogales. He attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a law degree. His professional career was marked by a combination of legal practice and public administration.
Bettwy served in the United States Army during World War II and later continued his military service in the Arizona National Guard. He eventually attained the rank of Brigadier General and served as the Assistant Adjutant General for the state of Arizona.
In 1970, Governor Jack Williams appointed Bettwy as the Arizona State Land Commissioner. He held this position until 1978, serving under four different governors (Williams, Raul Castro, Wesley Bolin, and Bruce Babbitt). As commissioner, he oversaw the management of approximately 9.6 million acres of state trust lands, which are held in trust to produce revenue for various state beneficiaries, primarily public schools. During his tenure, Bettwy was involved in navigating the legal and environmental complexities of land use during a period of significant urban expansion and population growth in the American Southwest.
Following his departure from the State Land Department, Bettwy returned to the private practice of law, focusing on real estate, land titles, and administrative law. He remained active in civic affairs and veteran organizations until his death in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004.
