Paul S. Harter

Paul S. Harter is a native Arizonan who graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in business administration (1970) and law (1973). His legal career has revolved around civil litigation, government contracts and mining activities.  He continues to actively practice law in the Phoenix area. In 1992 he was elected to the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board where he served for twelve years, including nine years as its president.
 
His interest in mining and minerals was fostered by his grandfather, a mining engineer who graduated from the University of Utah.  Family trips always focused on mines, minerals and geology in Arizona and Utah.  His great uncle was the noted author A. B. Parsons.  The combined mentor influence and proximity to the great copper mines of Arizona afforded him the opportunity to visit and explore these properties in the 1950’s.  Paul first competitively exhibited at the Arizona State Fair in 1958 and has continued to do so.  Between 2011 and 2015 he served as the Show Chair for the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.  In concert with Bryan K. Lees, he co-authored the chapter in American Mineral Treasures on the Sweet Home Mine.  He also serves on the Board of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals.  His collection focuses on minerals of Arizona, with other smaller sub-collections.
 
​Paul has been a member of the Advisory Board since 2016.