Regional Council

Kenneth N. Weise was appointed Mayor in June 2014 and subsequently won a full-term in 2016. He won re-election in 2020. Prior to his mayoral service, he served as an Avondale City Council Member beginning in January 2006 when he was initially appointed to a vacant council seat. He was subsequently elected to the City Council in September 2007 and, during his tenure, served as Avondale’s Vice Mayor from 2008 to 2010.

Mayor Weise currently serves on the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council, Executive Committee and Transportation Policy Committee. He is also a member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s Board of Directors. A true public servant, he has also served on several other committees including the National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Committee, the Southwest Valley Chamber’s Board of Directors, Avondale Charter Review Committee, the Contributions Assistance Council Subcommittee and as Chair of the Western Maricopa Enterprise Zone (WMEZ). As a strong supporter of education and youth, Mayor Weise is currently a member of the Arizona Mayors Education Roundtable. Mayor Weise is a current member of the National League of Cities (NLC) and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

Mayor Weise is Director of Sales at The Benefit Guard and previously served on the Board of Elders at Trinity Lutheran Church. He volunteers for various organizations and feels strongly about giving back to his community. He currently studies Government at Grand Canyon University. He and his wife, Shari, have two daughters and have called Avondale home since 1995.

Since being elected to the Phoenix City Council in 2013, Kate Gallego's entrepreneurial spirit and extensive economic development knowledge have helped transform Phoenix's economy and revitalize the city's transportation system. Kate's proven track record includes leading the campaign to pass Phoenix's citywide transportation plan and spearheading the successful Phoenix Equal Pay Ordinance.

Kate is passionate about building a Phoenix that works for everybody. She led the effort for the city to partner with AARP to better serve older adults. She has worked with Councilwoman Debra Stark to support more young people entering the construction workforce, and Kate has championed innovative partnerships with ASU and the University of Arizona. Kate Gallego believes that everyone should have access to cutting edge medical care, and she has been the city council lead on expanding Phoenix's biomedical campus.

A strong proponent of investing in the infrastructure that Phoenix needs to grow, Kate is a member of the bi-partisan coalition Building America's Future. Her work on infrastructure has earned recognition from Women in Transportation and Friends of Transit. Her work on equity issues has earned her the recognition of the "Courage" Award from the Girl Scouts Cactus-Pine Council, Elected Official of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Arizona Chapter, and the Rising Leader Award from the Anti-Defamation League. AZ Business Magazine named her as one of the most influential women in business.

Prior to being elected, Kate worked on Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Salt River Project. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University and earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2015 the Wharton School of Business named her in its "40 Under 40" list. She is the proud mom of Michael Gallego.

Mayor Kevin Hartke has lived in Chandler since 1985. Although he began his tenure on City Council in January of 2011, he also served for a year as an interim Councilmember in 2008. He continues to serve as Lead Pastor at Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler where he has worked since 1985. Kevin has a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from University of Missouri, Columbia; and a Master's degree in Theology with Fuller Theological Seminary.

Kevin is involved extensively in the state and Chandler community. He currently serves regionally as the Co-chair of the Continuum of Care Regional Committee to End Homelessness for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). Kevin serves as a board member on three other regional boards as well: MAG’s Economic Development Committee, the Valley’s Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) and the Valley Metro Light rail. Kevin is also the statewide director of a nonprofit organization, For Our City. For Our City is a collaborative effort of government, business, nonprofit and faith leaders gathered to find solutions for needs in a community.

In Chandler, Kevin volunteers with several organizations. He serves on the board of the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona (DCFA), helps with American Cancer Society, serves as a member of the Public Policy Committee with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP). He is a literacy advocate that reads weekly to 6th graders at Galveston Elementary School with BookPALS. Kevin has volunteered at Galveston for the past 11 years.

In the City of Chandler, his past service had included being a commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission, chairman of Human Relations Commission, chairman of the 2010 Complete Count Committee, member of a previous Charter Revision Committee and an ex official member of Chandler Airport Commission. He is currently active with Chandler's two Sister Cities, Tullamore, Ireland; and Tainan, Taiwan.

He also has served on the executive board of the Chandler Coalition On Youth Substance Abuse (CCYSA), coached soccer for the YMCA, organized citywide community volunteer efforts and helped organize and lead Chandler’s first traditional neighborhood association, Arrowhead Meadows. Regionally, Kevin’s past service has included a Governor’s commission on Faith and Communities and a Congressional Committee on Faith and Neighborhoods.

Kevin has been married to Lynne for more than 35 years. They have four children: Nathan, Aleah, Katelyn and Zachary and three grandchildren, Micah, Madelynn and Benjamin.

John Giles was elected the 40th mayor of Mesa, Arizona, in August 2014. He earned degrees from Brigham Young University in Political Science and Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He has managed his own law firm in downtown Mesa for more than 20 years.

In 1996, Giles was elected to the Mesa City Council and from 1998 to 2000, he served as vice mayor. After his service on the City Council, he remained active in the community and served on 25 boards and committees. He has been very involved in interfaith relations throughout the Phoenix-metro area, including serving on the Board of the Arizona Interfaith Movement. As mayor, he serves on numerous local and regional boards and committees.

Born and raised in Mesa, he graduated from Westwood High School in 1978. Mayor Giles is an active marathoner and triathlete who has completed two full Ironman competitions, 20 marathons and four Boston Marathons. In 2013, he was named “Mesa Man of the Year.” Mayor Giles and his wife, Dawn, have been married for more than 30 years. They have five children and five grandchildren.

Mayor Chip Wilson was elected mayor in November 2020, taking office in January 2021. He had served the previous four years as vice mayor of Apache Junction. He spent nine years on council prior to that.

An U.S. Air Force veteran of 22 years, Wilson worked for Boeing in Mesa beginning in 1997 until his retirement in 2014. He has also served as president of the Superstition Horsemen’s Association from 1997-2006 and currently serves as president of the Arizona Horse Council. He is also on the board of the East Valley Back Country Horsemen.

Wilson has two sons and four grandchildren and recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary to his wife, Peggy.

Eric Orsborn was elected Mayor in 2020, after serving on the Buckeye City Council as the District 6 representative from 2010 to 2020.

Mayor Orsborn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Arizona State University.

Mayor Orsborn is the owner of OCM, a Construction and Maintenance company based in Buckeye, Arizona. He has previously been employed in construction and land development and project management.

A graduate of the first Buckeye Leadership Academy, Mayor Orsborn is also a Blue Blazer and member of Fighter Country Partnership, a group that supports the men, women and the mission of Luke Air Force Base. He also serves on the MAG Regional Council, MAG Executive and Transportation Policy Committees, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) boards.

Mayor Orsborn is a native of Arizona. He and his wife, Tina, have a daughter and son, Emma and Jack. Mayor Orsborn and his family reside in the community of Verrado.

John Crane was elected Mayor of Carefree in August 2022. He is a 33-year resident of Carefree and has enjoyed actively serving the community in various roles. He was appointed to the Carefree Town Council in 2012, elected to the Town Council in 2013 and served as Vice Mayor for 7 years. Previously, Mayor Crane served on the Carefree Subdivision Committee and as the Vice Chairman of the Carefree Planning and Zoning Commission. He served 13 years as president and board member of the Carefree Foothills Homeowners’ Association, 10 years as a Desert Foothills Land Trust board member and is an Arizona Site Steward monitoring Native American archeological sites in the Cave Creek / Carefree area. Mayor Crane serves as a Commissioner on the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission.

Mayor Crane earned a BS degree in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1978 and a MS degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1985. After serving seven years as a nuclear submarine officer, he entered the electronics field. For the past 29 years, as a business owner, he has served as a sales representative for Asian, European, and US semiconductor material and equipment suppliers to customers in North America.

In 2021 Mayor Crane was recognized by the Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious honor awarded by the DAR. He and his partner, Betsy, can frequently be seen strolling through Carefree enjoying all the Town has to offer.

Robert Morris is a native of Phoenix whose Grandparents homesteaded on Oak Creek. He graduated from Arizona State University in Chemical Engineering. After a career that took him all over the world he returned to Arizona settling in Cave Creek where he is currently the Mayor.

His business career included executive management, engineering and construction, marketing, strategic studies, finance and mergers. Beginning in 2013 he served on the Water Advisory Committee and still maintains a deep interest in water issues. He served two terms on the Town of Cave Creek Council.

Bob was also a Class 2 World Mounted Shooting champion and is a longtime horseman. He is married to Jana Morris, a Champion Mounted Shooter and former teacher. They live in beautiful north Cave Creek.

Alexis Hermosillo is a proud fourth-generation resident of the City of El Mirage. Alexis currently works for a public transportation company in the Maricopa county area, and previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a district representative for Congressman Raúl Grijalva.

Alexis is a firm believer that knowledge is power. She holds an M.A. in journalism and a B.A. in interdisciplinary arts, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. In her spare time she puts her knowledge and skills to work supporting opportunity youth in El Mirage.

Alexis is committed to the empowerment of women. She serves on the Board of the YWCA of Metropolitan Phoenix, and has worked with the Hispanic Women’s Corporation, supporting their national youth initiatives. Alexis believes that investing in today’s youth is an investment in our future, and has dedicated herself to engaging and motivating Latino youth through leadership development programs, including with the National Council of La Raza (UnidosUS).

Mrs. Walter is an assistant principal and truancy officer with the Florence Unified School District. As an elementary school educator, she served as a Team Leader, Reading Coach, Mentor Teacher, Gifted Site Coordinator and Science Club Advisor. In 2007, Mrs. Walter created the Science Club to heighten student interest in science; allowing students to participate, utilizing hands-on experiences. An emphasis was placed on participation, teamwork, and cooperation, while focusing on various science disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth science. The club development prepared students to participate in Pinal County Science Olympiad Competitions at Central Arizona College. Over the years, many students have placed in competitions, earning school recognition. Mrs. Walter also assisted in the creation of the NJHS Charter for Anthem K-8 and served as NJHS Advisor for four years. Her responsibilities in these positions allow her to create opportunities for the students and aide colleagues in achieving higher standards for themselves professionally.

Mrs. Walter holds two Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, graduating with high honors in Educational Leadership: Principal k-12 and Elementary Education; two Bachelor’s Degrees from the State University of New York in Elementary Education and English (Literature/Writing), graduating on the Dean’s List; and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Herkimer County Community College. She was provided the unique opportunity to complete the second half of her student teaching experience abroad, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. During her experience abroad, she welcomed the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. This experience allowed her to learn and appreciate other cultures and ways of life.

She lives with her husband Jim, and their three children: Chris, Jason, and Claire. She is actively involved in community projects ranging from family oriented events to providing opportunities for children in our community.

Bernadine Burnette was elected President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation on January 12, 2016. Pres. Burnette has served for more than two decades as a Tribal Council Member and during that time has held the positions of Secretary, Vice President, and President.

Pres. Burnette’s record of public service is extensive; beyond her leadership at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, she has also served on many boards of organizations, including stints as Vice President of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association and as Secretary of the National Indian Gaming Association. Her current and past memberships include the National Congress of American Indians, the National Tribal Environmental Council and the National Indian Education Association.

Pres. Burnette was selected as “Woman of the Year” by former Arizona Governor Jane Hull and honored by the Arizona Republic for her resolute leadership as one of only seven female Native American tribal presidents in the nation in 1999. In 2012, then Vice President Burnette was named “Indian Gaming Advocate of the Year” by the National Indian Gaming Association for her work to preserve gaming rights.

Ginny and her family chose Fountain Hills as their home town in 1983. Born and raised in NY, she followed her parents who had fallen in love with this desert community in the seventies. Her siblings all relocated to AZ, creating a foundation here that spans multiple generations.

Ginny holds a BS in Mathematics from Tufts University. She’s been a banker, a bookkeeper and a part-time teacher, in AZ, VT and NH. She was an AZ Senate staffer and an Assistant Director at the Dept. of Environmental Quality. After retiring from the State, she worked with the US Attorney’s Office as a neighborhood liaison with various partners including law enforcement.

Inducted into the 2010 Hall of Fame, she participated in FH strategic planning sessions since 1984. She went from room mother to PTA Board, Site Council to elected School Board member, where she served from 1994 to 2002, twice as President. Ginny was a Charter Member of the Arts Council and served on the Theater Board as Treasurer and accountant, earning their 2009 Founders Award. She performed in several AriZoni winning productions.

In the Valley, she was a member of Business and Professional Women (Woman of the Year) and the Public Policy Chair for the American Association of University Women. Active in several statewide groups, she was an organizer for the AZ Women’s Hall of Fame at the Carnegie Library.

Ginny served as Town Councilwoman for over eight years, co-chairing the Centennial Committee and sitting on the MAG Regional Domestic Violence Council until 2014. She helped raise funds for two public art pieces and co-organized a community unity event in 2017.

Other activities include: Justice Department, Recognition of Meritorious Service: Weed and Seed Program; League of AZ Cities and Towns Eight Years of Service and Dedication; Ten Years of Service Recognition to the State of AZ; ADEQ Constellation Team Award for Asarco efforts; ADEQ Constellation Team Award for Hazardous Air Pollutant/Mercury efforts; AZ School Boards Association Silver Cactus Pin; Gold Cactus Pin; Master of Boardsmanship; Panel speaker, Estrella Mt. Community College; Classroom speaker, ASU; Workshops, Coronado High School and Scottsdale Community College; Contributor, Sonoran/Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Working Paper; Falcon Leadership Mentoring Program, National School Boards Association, New Orleans.

Ginny is married to former teacher, FHUSD and EVIT Board member Jim Dickey, a retired Valley Metro and ADOT Executive. Her family includes three sons – FHUSD graduates Mike, Brian and Frank Chin (Rutgers professor, Scottsdale Fire Captain, Philadelphia musician) plus Jim’s daughter and son, all their spouses and eight grandchildren.

Biography coming soon.

Stephen Roe Lewis was raised in Sacaton, “Gu-u-Ki”, on the Gila River Indian Community. His parents are Rodney and Willardene Lewis. His paternal grandparents are the late Rev. Roe Blaine and Sally Lewis. His maternal grandparents are the late Willard and Catherine Pratt. Mr. Lewis has an eighteen year old son, Daniel.

Stephen Roe Lewis graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors Science and pursued graduate studies at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Governor Lewis has served the Community as a Gaming Commissioner for the Gila River Gaming Commission, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gila River Telecommunications, Inc., and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Gila River Healthcare Corporation.

Governor Lewis was the first Native film curator for the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and was an Associate Producer for the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed TBS six-part feature documentary, "The Native Americans."

Governor Lewis has worked on numerous political campaigns and organizing projects throughout Indian Country including Native voter organizing and Native voter protection in 2002 and selected as an Arizona delegate and Co-Chairing the Native American Caucus for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Currently Governor Lewis proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), the Executive Board for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and the Board of Trustees for the Heard Museum of Phoenix.

Governor Lewis currently oversees the implementation of the Community’s Water Settlement of 2004 (the largest water settlement of its kind in United States history). Governor Lewis advocates for renewable and green technologies guided by O'otham agricultural history and cultural teachings. Governor Lewis’s vision is to support a new generation of Community member agriculturalists with the goal of promoting and protecting the Community's shudag (water) and agricultural development for future generations.

Governor Lewis has made it a priority of his administration in two critical areas: To expand services for Community Veterans by proposing the Community’s first Veteran's and Family Services Department and by committing more resources to protect the Community's children by advocating for the protection of the Indian Child Welfare Act both at home and nationally.

Governor Lewis previously served the Community as Lieutenant Governor before being elected Governor in 2014.

Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson began her term in January 2021. She previously served over 5 years on the Town Council, after being elected to 2 consecutive terms from January 2015 to March 31, 2020 when resigning to run for Mayor. Brigette served as Vice Mayor in 2018. Prior to running for Town Council, Brigette served on the Gilbert Planning Commission for over 14 years. She has also served as the Zoning Hearing Officer and on many Gilbert steering committees and stakeholder groups.

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers is a husband, father, grandfather and devoted public servant who has spent his adult life owning and operating successful businesses, volunteering with non-profit organizations, and serving his community through public service. He and his wife Sandy have been married for 33 years and have lived in Arizona since 1966. Together, they have one daughter and two grandsons. A battle with cancer as a young man gave Mayor Weiers an outlook on life, focused on service, creative problem solving, and enjoying life to the fullest. It is with these values that he diligently serves as Mayor of Glendale every day.

Since taking office in January 2013, Mayor Weiers has actively worked to bring new economic and community activity to Glendale. In just his first year, Mayor Weiers helped the city obtain more than a million dollars in grants for public safety and local non-profit groups, established an annual event to help military veterans, and welcomed many new businesses to Glendale as the City strives to be the most business friendly community in Arizona.

Prior to taking office in Glendale, Mayor Weiers served four terms in the Arizona State Legislature. During that time, he chaired the Natural Resources, Military Affairs and Public Safety, and Rules Committees. Mayor Weiers also served Arizona on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Military Sustainability Task Force.

Throughout his life, Mayor Weiers has been devoted to serving his community. His long and impressive record has earned him recognition for his work on behalf of sportsmen, motorcyclists, and military veterans groups, to name a few.

Mayor Weiers is also an accomplished pilot as well as a member of the Civil Air Patrol with over two decades of flying experience. He owns a hangar and flies out of his home base at the Glendale Airport.

"I am proud to have been elected to serve the residents of the city of Goodyear over these past years. I work hard to ensure that the city is providing the cost-effective and efficient services that our residents deserve, while focusing on attracting businesses and amenities that improve our quality of life. I will continue to work on behalf of our citizens to make Goodyear an even better place to work, live, and raise a family."

On Dec. 17, 2021, the Goodyear City Council appointed Joe Pizzillo to serve as Goodyear’s Mayor. This, after the passing of Mayor Georgia Lord.

Mayor Pizzillo has served on the Goodyear City Council since 2009. He served as vice mayor and acting mayor in 2010 through 2011 and in 2013, he was re-elected to his second council term and served as vice mayor. In 2017, he was re-elected to serve as a councilmember through 2022.

His priorities as a Mayor include: ensuring the city’s financial stability, maintaining quality services that are cost-effective, and protecting our neighborhoods by improving public safety.

Mayor Pizzillo brings 30 years of experience in state and local government budgeting and finance to his seat on the council. Prior to his retirement from the city of Goodyear in 2008, he served as the city’s Budget Manager. Currently, he is an adjunct professor of Accounting and Finance with Estrella Mountain Community College, Grand Canyon University and Park University.

Mayor Pizzillo serves on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Lending Closet and sits two Council Subcommittees, City Audit Committee and Community Funding Committee. He is also an active member of the Pebble Creek Rotary Club and represents the city on the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Budget, Finance and Economic Development (BFED) Policy Committee.

He earned his business degree from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

A valley resident since 1986, Joe and his wife Vickie live in Goodyear. Joe’s son, Nicholas, and his wife Kristen, have blessed him with two granddaughters, Sophia and Aubrey.

Biography coming soon.

Tom Schoaf, elected Mayor of Litchfield Park in the Spring 2006, has been involved in a variety of business endeavors, both local and international, that have taken him around the world from Singapore to Germany. Even with a busy schedule, he remained active in various community groups including the Litchfield Park Youth Association, Little League and AYSO soccer. He served on the Litchfield Elementary Governing Board and the original Litchfield Park City Council.

Today, in addition to serving as the City’s Mayor, he is the past Chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council and current Chair of the MAG Economic Development Committee, Trustee of the West Valley Hospital, and serves on the Westside Advisory Board of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. A dual graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Tom has a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering, cum laude, and a Juris Doctor, summa cum laude. He is licensed to practice law in both Indiana and Arizona and currently has his law office in Litchfield Park.

Mayor Nancy Smith graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Electronic Technology and was immediately hired by Motorola. While working for Motorola, she advanced her education by receiving a degree in Business Management. She has spent the majority of her career in military technology and project management for major government programs. While at Motorola she extended her work experience by specializing in finance and budgeting. She increased her experience in project management when she accepted a new position at General Dynamics. The success and talents she acquired at Motorola and General Dynamics are transferable to the duties and responsibilities of the Maricopa City Council.

Mayor Smith moved to Maricopa prior to the city's incorporation. She has continuously served the community since she moved to the community. She is one of the co-founders and a previous board member of the F.O.R Maricopa food bank. She served as Co-Chair of the American Cancer Society – Maricopa Relay for Life. She has a passion for non-profits and enjoys serving at church, in various school committees and many city-wide events. Councilmember Smith participated and graduated from the first Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy and she is currently a member of the Maricopa Advocate Program.

She was very proud to be invited to serve as a board member of the Pinal Partnership Board of Directors. The purpose of Pinal Partnership is uniting the vision for Pinal County. As part of this position, Councilmember Smith invests time in ensuring Maricopa's needs and vision are included in the mission. She focuses attention on Transportation, Infrastructure and Economic Development topics.

Mayor Smith was asked to serve on the MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Economic Development Committee. MAG was founded in the spirit of unity and cooperation. MAG members believe that they can solve common problems, take an active role in long range regional issues and address concerns that affect all communities. By serving on the Economic Development Committee, Councilmember Smith is able to bring new information quickly back to Maricopa as well as participate in decisions and training opportunities.

She is the proud mother of two children and a trusted mentor to a large extended family. Her husband and family spend their free time playing sports and watching their favorite sport teams compete. Although Arizona is not her birth state, she thoroughly loves living in Arizona and feels as though she is a native.

Mayor Smith was selected to fulfill the remainder of former Mayor Christian Price's term on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Nancy is focused on an agenda that builds a strong and sustainable economy that moves Maricopa from a bedroom community to a place we live, play and work.

Terms: 2014-2016; 2016-2020, 2020-2024

Councilmember Mayor Smith is currently serving:

· MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Economic Development Committee

· Pinal Partnership Board of Directors

· Pinal Partnership Economic Development Committee

· Pinal Partnership Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

· Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Government Committee

· Maricopa Budget, Finance, and Operations (BFO) Committee

· Maricopa Marketing & Communications Committee

Liaison Positions:

· City Council Liaison Age Friendly Advisory

· City Council Liaison Parks, Recreation & Library Committee

· City Council Liaison Heritage District Advisory

· City Council Liaison Arts Committee

Mr. Jack Sellers is a Supervisor with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. He is also the Vice Chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board.

He is the retired Facilities Manager for the General Motors Desert Proving Ground in Mesa, Arizona, and he has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University.

Mr. Sellers currently sits on Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Council. His previous Maricopa Association of Governments committees include Regional Council, Economic Development Committee as well as serving as Past Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Mr. Sellers is part of the Ari-Son Megaregion Group, Arizona-Mexico Commission and he is a member of the Transportation Committee.

As part of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Mr. Sellers served as a member of the International Leadership Council, Past Member of the Board and Executive Committee, as well as a Board Member of the East Valley Partnership.

Other association position that Mr. Sellers has held include Member of Transportation Business Partners; President of Chandler, Arizona Sister Cities; Vice President of Arizona Sister Cities; Member and Past Board Member of Arizona Town Hall; Member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce; Member of Intel Corporation Community Advisory Panel; Past Chairman of the City of Chandler Transportation Commission; and Past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

In 2004 Mr. Sellers was awarded Business Leader of the Year.

Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner is a native Arizonan. His family moved to Paradise Valley when he was three, after which Jerry attended Scottsdale public schools (SUSD) through high school. Jerry attended Claremont McKenna College on a four-year academic merit scholarship, and graduated with honors and the highest departmental award. Jerry earned his law degree, also with an academic merit scholarship, from the University of Arizona where he was recognized with numerous honors, including being named the Law College’s “best oral advocate” and winning a seat on the moot court board and national moot court team.

Prior to returning to Arizona, Jerry practiced law full-time for several years with a preeminent national litigation firm, acting as lead counsel in many high-stakes cases of national significance. Jerry and his wife moved to Paradise Valley from New York City so that they could raise their family here. Currently, he is active in the business community as an investor and entrepreneur, and maintains a law practice with a national firm with offices in Phoenix.

Seeking an opportunity to give back to his home town, Jerry was appointed to the Town of Paradise Valley Planning Commission in 2012. Jerry won a seat on the Town Council in August 2014, with the goal of elevating his level of service to the community that he holds dear. Two years into his term, Jerry was selected by his peers to serve as the Town’s Vice Mayor, and was unanimously re-elected by the Mayor and Council to continue serving as Vice Mayor through the end of 2018.

Jerry is a proud and very happy resident of Paradise Valley together with his wife and their children, and he feels extremely honored and privileged to serve the residents of the unique and wonderful Town of Paradise Valley!

On January 3, 2023 Jason Beck was sworn into office as the Mayor of Peoria. Mayor Beck is invested in the City of Peoria, as a lifelong resident, and as a local business leader.

As a local business owner, he understands the importance of providing goods and services. In his role as Mayor, he will apply his knowledge and experience as he works to provide superior public services within Peoria and improve quality of life for all residents.

As a veteran of the U.S. Marines, Mayor Beck values public service and is eager to serve the residents of the City of Peoria in a new capacity.

Mayor Beck, and his wife Jane, reside in Peoria with their six sons.

Mike is an Arizona native and resident of Pinal County for 15 years. He is the newest member of the Board and took office January 2017 representing San Tan Valley and Anthem. With rapid growth over the past few years, District 2 now includes over 100,000 residents.

In Goodman’s professional career he brings valuable experience including 30 years as an independent insurance broker statewide, small business owner in the tire business, and farming right here in San Tan Valley. His work with school districts, municipalities, and county governments as an independent broker/consultant for employee benefits gave him valuable perspective on inner community and government workings. His firm led the innovative development of a Wellness Program for employee benefits in the late 80’s. His time as a small business owner and years devoted to farming has given him perspective and insight for the rural and small business needs of Pinal County. Since 2008 his career has taken Goodman to every county throughout the state assisting the disabled and elderly in navigating the Medicare/Medicaid programs

He has a love for the youth stemming from a rich family heritage from his father, who as a judge, founded the Arizona Youth Rough Riders. AYRR helped troubled youth find purpose in the care of wild mustangs. Goodman has spent many volunteer hours working with youth in scouting, coaching sports, and providing gainful employment opportunities for them over the years.

His vision for District 2 is what brought him to his decision to run for office. Goodman sees a great opportunity to accelerate growth and economic opportunities for all citizens in Pinal County. His apparition is to unite the community in this effort and lead with hard work and optimism.

Julia Wheatley was elected Queen Creek Mayor in August 2022. She previously served as Town Council Member, first elected in June 2020 and re-elected in November 2014, and again in August 2018. She represents the Town on the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council and Transportation Policy Committees, and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Association Board of Directors.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration to extend her great interest in law, politics and local government.

Wheatley, an Arizona native and her husband Benjamin made Queen Creek their home in 2007 and have loved raising their four children in our family-friendly community, Queen Creek.

In the private industry, Wheatley and her husband own a mortgage and real estate company.

Martin Harvier has served as the Vice President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community since December of 2006. Vice President Harvier grew up in Poston, Ariz. When he was in sixth grade, his family relocated to Sacaton, Ariz., where he attended the Bureau of Indian Affairs School. He graduated from Casa Grande High School in 1977.

When he was 19 years old, his father was diagnosed with cancer and in 1979 lost his battle with the disease. Vice President Harvier became the sole support for his mother, three sisters and two brothers. He worked as a chain man on a survey crew for the GRIC and then as a plant mechanic and welder for a company located on the SRPMIC for 11 years.

In 1996, the SRPMIC hired Harvier as a civil tech soils tester. In 1998, he was promoted to plant manager of a water pump station and, until assuming the office of Vice President, served as the acting irrigation manager for the Community. In his spare time, he coached the Salt River High School baseball team for four years.

Vice President Harvier and his wife Toni are the proud parents of five children and six grandchildren.

Vice President Harvier represents the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community with dignity, integrity and honor. He continues to work hard and to the best of his abilities.

Mayor Ortega is focused on safeguarding public health and safety; maintaining Scottsdale’s family-friendly neighborhoods; protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and strengthening Scottsdale’s world-renowned reputation.

As mayor, he is committed to equal rights for all, responsive city government and adoption of citizen-driven General Plan 2035 to support economic vitality.

Mayor Ortega is a registered Arizona architect and designed many landmark buildings in Old Town. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona and was an apprentice architect to Bennie Gonzales FAIA, the award-winning designer of Scottsdale City Hall, Civic Center Library and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Mayor Ortega has served on numerous city, county and state commissions, and on civic, non-profit organizations including:

• Scottsdale City Councilman 2000-2004

• Scottsdale Downtown Architectural Guidelines Committee

• Scottsdale Development Review Board (member 10 years)

• Maricopa County Private Industry Council

• State of Arizona School Facilities Board (member 6 years)

• Governor’s Latino Advisory Council

• American Institute of Architects (1985-present)

• Scottsdale Leadership, Inc.

• Friends of the Scottsdale Library

• Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, Inc.

• Coronado High School Foundation for the Future, Inc.

• Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

• Reading Pals-Pueblo Elementary School SUSD

• Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary Club Past President

Mayor Ortega and his wife, Rosemary Gannon, have been married for 40 years. They live in the Park Scottsdale neighborhood near Saguaro High School where they raised their children Alexandra and Luke.

Jackie Meck was re-elected in 2012 to a second four-year term as the Mayor of Buckeye. A Buckeye native, Mr. Meck has served previously as town mayor from 1973 to 1975 and as a member of the town council from 1968 to 1975 and from 2002 to 2006.

Mr. Meck is the retired general manager of the Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District. Mr. Meck currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), as a member of the MAG Regional Council Executive Committee, as a member of the MAG Economic Development Committee, as Treasurer for the CAN-DO Coalition (Connecting Arizona and Nevada-Delivering Opportunities) Interstate-11 Coalition, and is on the Board of Trustees for the West Valley Hospital. Mr. Meck has also served as Chair on the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Transportation Policy Committee, on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, WESTMARC, and Valley Metro RPTA, is a past president of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Gila River’s El Rio Restoration Project Executive Committee.

Mr. Meck is a past chairman of the city’s Pioneer Days Celebration, and is a member of the Buckeye Elks and Lions Clubs, the Buckeye Valley Museum, the West Valley Fine Arts, the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum.

Mr. Meck and his wife of over 50 years, Verlyne, have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Jenn Daniels is an expert in navigating the complexities of municipal government. She has been an elected leader for over a decade, serving as a Councilmember, Vice-Mayor and the Mayor of Gilbert, Arizona. Under her leadership, Gilbert thrived, becoming one of America’s most vibrant towns-earning several national awards, including the Most Prosperous City in America, Most Livable City and Second Safest City. As Mayor, she was committed to the future of Gilbert and, as part of the Town’s “City of the Future” initiative was focused on innovating local government in the areas of fiscal responsibility, infrastructure and technology and community prosperity. Under Jenn’s leadership, the Town implemented advisory groups including Advancing Education in Gilbert, ONE Gilbert and the Executive Advisory Committee. During Jenn’s time in leadership, the Town achieved AAA bond ratings from all three rating agencies, opened three new parks, and transformed the Heritage District into a regional destination with some of the best restaurants in Arizona-all while remaining the safest community in the state with the lowest cost of service in the metro Phoenix area. Jenn has also been a small business owner since 2005.

Jenn has served on several regional and national boards and committees, including the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council, Regional Transportation Policy Committee, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, League of Cities and Towns Executive Committee, and Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and as a Rode! Fellow for the Aspen Institute. In 2020, Jenn was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to a six-year term on the State Transportation Board.

Jenn’s experience spans a broad spectrum that encompasses both her public and private expertise. She has a deep understanding of transportation planning and policy, municipal strategy and engagement, including procurement, economic development, strategic communications, political strategy and policy analysis. She brings a wealth of knowledge and an extensive network to get our clients their desired outcomes.

Jenn makes being a mom to four kids spanning high school to elementary her top priority and spends her free time hiking, reading, organizing all the things and baking delicious treats.

Mayor Hall was unanimously selected by the City Council in November 2018 to serve as Mayor of Surprise to fill a vacancy.

Prior to serving in politics and serving three years on the City of Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission, Hall spent several decades working in various capacities in the Hospitality and Real Estate industries. For three years, he was the Vice President of a new home builder and prior to that, he served 10 years as the Senior Vice President of a hospitality company based in Japan. Most of his professional career was spent opening and operating several restaurants and hotels along the west coast.

He has served on a number of City Council Sub-Committees during his time on Council, as well as WESTMARC’s Water & Energy Committee and the Valley Metro RPTA Board. Presently, Hall’s regional service includes a position on the MAG Regional Council, MAG Transportation Policy Committee and involvement with the Kyl Center for Water Policy.

Skip is a Vietnam War Veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding service 1969-1970

Corey Woods was elected mayor of the City of Tempe in March 2020. In his professional career, he is the chief of staff at ASU Preparatory Academy. Woods is responsible for assisting the managing director with operations, external partnerships and strategic initiatives. He previously served as the chief operating officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, director of college and career articulation for the Phoenix Union High School District and director of government relations for the American Lung Association of Arizona.

Woods served as a Councilmember for the City of Tempe from July 2008 – July 2016. He was elected to the Tempe City Council in May 2008 and reelected in March 2012. Woods was instrumental in guiding city policy that led to Tempe's perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s “Municipal Equality Index.” He championed initiatives in the areas of affordable housing and human services while working tirelessly to improve community development standards to attract business investment and protect neighborhoods.

Woods graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in April 2000 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in African-American Studies. After college, Woods was a teaching assistant at ASU for three years. In May 2018, Woods earned a Master of Arts in Educational Policy from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education.

Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez was elected to the Tolleson City Council in 2005. Creating progressive policies to craft a stronger tomorrow for the City has been and continues to be his top priorities. As Mayor, he meticulously collaborates with his fellow Council Members and City Management to establish planning and zoning regulations, balance the annual budget, create targeted strategic economic development initiatives and develop progressive employee retention plans through competitive market analysis.

During his tenure, along with his fellow City Council Members, he has provided strategic direction which has positively impacted the City. Initiatives in which he has participated includes attracting new economic commercial developments, which will provide millions of dollars in future tax revenue, formation of a comprehensive housing revitalization program, construction of new Fire and Police/ Municipal Court Public Safety facilities and key in the full renovation of the Tolleson Parks and Recreation Center. Mayor Rodriguez currently serves on the Maricopa Associations of Government Regional Council. Formerly as the Vice Mayor, he served as the Chair of the City of Tolleson Public Safety Personnel Retirement Fire and Police Boards. Preceding his role as a Council Member, he served as the former Chair of the Tolleson Planning and Zoning Commission.

Mayor Rodriguez’s career with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department began March of 1998. He previously held positions as a Recreation Leader, Coordinator I, II, and III and is currently a Parks Supervisor. He is the recipient of four City of Phoenix Excellence Awards, which are bestowed on employees for their exceptional contributions to city government and public service. Specifically, he was recognized for his work with the Latino Institute in 2003, serving on the Shuttered Facility Task Force in 2011, the Lifeguard Outreach and Recruitment Program in 2012 and for the creation of the Inclusionary Program for kids with all abilities in 2020. His familiarity with the inner workings of city government, brings a unique perspective to the Tolleson City Council.

He holds a Masters of Public Administration Degree from Arizona State University, and both a Bachelor of Arts in History and in Political Science from Arizona State University. He completed the City of Phoenix Advanced Supervisory Academy, and the first and second year curriculum at the NRPA Pacific Southwest Maintenance Management School. He holds a Certified Playground Safety Inspector credential from the National Playground Safety Institute. He is a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. He earned a Gold Certification from the NLC in Municipal Governance Leadership Training Institute Program.

He is a member of the National League of Cities, the Hispanic Elected Local Officials Branch of the NLC, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Furthermore, he holds memberships in recreation organizations, including the National Recreation and Parks Association and the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, where he served as the former chair of the Ethnic Leadership Branch.

Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez is married to his wife Alma, a Tolleson school teacher, with whom he has a daughter, Esperanza Mia and two sons, Juan Jr. and Julian.

Rui Pereira is a long-time resident of Wickenburg and has previously served on the council from 2008 – 2012 and again from June 2016 through December 2018. He was elected Mayor in June 2019.

Mayor Pereira was born in Portugal and has a background in hotel operations and information technology. He started his career as a software trainer/project manager for Micros Fidelio Software installing property management systems in South America and the Caribbean. He later served as Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for Loreto Bay Company in Scottsdale, Arizona.

A Wickenburg resident since 1995, Mayor Pereira is a former General Manager of Rancho de los Caballeros Guest Ranch and the former Executive Director of The Wellik Foundation and the Flying E Guest Ranch. In late 2018, he purchased Ascend Security and Audio, Inc. a local security and home technologies company.

Biography coming soon.