Transportation Policy Committee

Julia Wheatley was elected Queen Creek Mayor in August 2022. She previously served as Town Council Member, first elected in June 2010 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.

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.

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.

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.

Bio coming soon.

Jane Poston was elected to the Chandler City Council starting in January 2023. As a former city employee, Councilmember Poston has worked with every department and possesses a strong understanding of the workings of municipal government from the inside out, including the budget, economic development, Mayor & Council and community events. In short, she understands how government works, and which questions to ask. She is an advocate for fiscal responsibility, government transparency, communication and responsiveness.

Councilmember Poston owns J2 Media, a 22-year video production and communications company, in partnership with her husband Jason. Together, they have raised a family and built their business in Chandler, while devoting time to supporting their community through service. As a small business owner who grew up in the East Valley, Councilmember Poston has experienced the enormous growth of Arizona, and managed and grown her successful small business through times of prosperity and times of national crisis. She plans to apply her business experience to develop a creative and innovative vision of what Chandler can be.

Councilmember Poston’s community experience includes serving in leadership roles on several board and committees including the 2021 Citizens Bond Committee (Airport), Chandler Chamber Board, Women in Leadership, CUSD Bond and Override Marketing, Chandler Education Foundation Board, East Valley JCC, Arizona Center for Blind and Visually Impaired, Pro bono work for Chandler Firefighter Charities, AZCEND, ACEE, and Fans Across America.

Mayor Scott Anderson was elected to the Town Council in 2016 and as Mayor in 2024, with his mayoral term beginning in early January 2025. He has been involved in the planning and development of Gilbert as a staff member since moving here in 1988 with his wife EJ, and five children. In 2013, he retired from the Town of Gilbert and in his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family, serving in leadership roles in his church and connecting with nature.

Mayor Anderson is considered the founding father of the Gilbert Riparian Preserve as it was his idea to transform a wastewater treatment site from simple water recharge into a national award-winning project that is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Arizona. The preserve has been studied and reproduced by communities around the world who seek ways to be more sustainable.

Mayor Anderson has a degree in Geography and International Relations from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.

"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.

Vincent Manfredi and his family made Maricopa their home in 2010. Upon arriving in Maricopa, he saw a community with great promise and decided to get involved.

He has volunteered his time for many causes in the community helping many non-profit organizations and collecting food donations for our food banks. He set up a pop-up food bank utilizing private funds during the Pandemic of 2020. Manfredi served on the Maricopa Board of Adjustment and the Zoning Re-Write Task Force, which produced a new zoning code in 2014. He is an ardent supporter of youth sports and has volunteered with Babe Ruth League, Maricopa Little League and Maricopa High School Softball.

Manfredi is an advocate for public education and has been devoted to bringing proper funding to Maricopa schools. He understands the need for continual growth and learning new skills in order to keep pace with an ever-changing workplace. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Business Administration and Social Sciences with an emphasis on education.

Manfredi’s belief that transportation is a primary driver of economic development led him to represent the city of Maricopa on many regional transportation committees. Improving Maricopa roads, including the SR 347, SR 238 and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway are on the top of his list. His SR 347 efforts are summarized by the acronym MOVE: More lanes, Overpasses and interchanges, Violation enforcement and Education.

Among the organizations of which Manfredi is current a member:

- City of Maricopa Budget and Finance City Council Subcommittee

- Central Arizona Governments Governing Board

- Arizona Rural Transportation Advocacy Council Board of Directors

- Pinal Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors

- Arizona League of Cities & Towns Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee

- Central Arizona Governments Economic Development District Board

- Maricopa Associations of Governments Transportation Policy Committee

In July, 2022, Manfredi assumed the responsibilities of the mayor when Mayor Christian Price resigned until the City Council selected Mayor Nancy Smith to serve as the permanent successor for the remainder of the term.

EDUCATION:

Master of Business Administration degree, W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU (Elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honor society in business administration)

Bachelor of Science degree, United States Air Force Academy

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

1988-present | MILLER MARKETING (Consultant) - Business development, government relations, fundraising, trust/fiduciary services for pension plans and personal trusts.

2005-2010 | TAKE CHARGE AMERICA (non-profit credit counseling), Mktg & Gov’t Relations

2003-2005 | WP CAREY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Development Officer (fundraising) - Major Gifts Officer and Director of Corporate Relations

2001-2003 | EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, Development Officer (fundraising) - Prescott campus Director of Corporate/Foundation Development and Director of Development

1997-2001 | WELLS FARGO BANK, Vice President (formerly First Interstate Bank) - Institutional trust business development and sales for Arizona and New Mexico

1982-1988 | FIRST INTERSTATE BANK, Vice President - Personal Trust Business Development Officer 11/87-8/88, Institutional Trust Department Manager 12/85-11/87, Assistant Manager 4/84-12/85, Trust Administrator 5/85-12/85, IRA Department Manager 4/84-5/85, Human Resource Planning Coordinator 9/82-4/84.

1979-1982 | A.M.I.G.O.S. Inc., Executive Director - (A business trade association composed of 280 companies associated with the mining industry in Arizona) Responsibilities included overall management of the association, public relations, lobbying, membership recruitment, editing and publication of the quarterly newsletter, and administration of the AMIGOS Political Action Committee (third largest Arizona PAC during that time).

1976-1979 | ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION, Special Assistant - Served as presiding officer for Commission hearings; drafted and coordinated changes in Commission policy with the operating divisions (utilities, transportation, securities, and incorporating); wrote speeches and press releases for Commissioner Bud Tims.

1974-1975 | CONNECTICUT GENERAL, Financial Planner - Counseled small business clients regarding insurance, investments, trusts, and pension plans.

1973-1974 | SAWYER AVIATION, Instructor Pilot - Earned three additional flying ratings and gave flight instruction to private and commercial students.

Concurrent AF Reserve MILITARY EXPERIENCE (Colonel, USAFR, Retired in 1997):

1992-1997 | AIR FORCE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS LIAISON OFFICER FOR ARIZONA - Responsible for coordination between Arizona Air Force Installations and the Arizona Adjutant General in the areas of Military Support to Civil Authorities and the Key Asset Protection Program. Decorations and Awards-Legion of Merit, 3MSM, HSM, Arizona DSM, AFCM, AFAM, AFRR

1988-1989 | MILITARY ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE - Responsible for providing military guidance on a variety of issues to the fourth most senior civilian in the Department of the Air Force (Pentagon, Washington D.C.)

1983-1992 | AIR FORCE ACADEMY ADMISSIONS LIAISON OFFICER COMMANDER - Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising 25 Air Force Reserve Officers who recruit students for the Air Force Academy in Arizona. Named the Outstanding Commander in the Nation for 1991 (Out of a group of 89 commanders-the Arizona unit was consistently one of the top-producing units).

1974-1983 | AIR FORCE ACADEMY ADMISSIONS LIAISON OFFICER - Responsible for recruiting & counseling students in central Arizona. Named the Outstanding Liaison Officer in the Nation for 1981 (Out of a group of 1900 liaison officers).

Active Duty MILITARY EXPERIENCE:

1971-1972 | LEARNING CENTER OPERATIONS MANAGER - Responsible for operation of two multi-media pilot training facilities at Williams AFB.

1970-1971 | INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPER -

Wrote and produced audio-visual programs for student pilot flight instruction at Williams AFB.

1968-1970 | INSTRUCTOR PILOT - Responsible for administering all phases of flight instruction in the primary Air Force jet trainer.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES:

Regional Transportation Agency Transportation Policy Committee, American Legion Post One Chaplain, UUCP Governance Committee, Arizona Economic Forum (co-founder, board of directors, treasurer); Valley Leadership (Class I & past board member); USAF Academy Assn of Graduates (founder of Arizona chapter in 1977 and first president), Goldwater Institute (co-founder); Anderson Read Group (co-founder); Arizona Academy (Town Hall); Order of Daedalians (military pilots); National Guard Association, Fighter Country Partnership (past Honorary Commander), Amateur writer: (over 800 letters and articles published); Licensed pilot with commercial, multi-engine, instrument, flight instructor, and instrument instructor ratings (2000+ flying hours).

PAST ACTIVITIES:

Phoenix Citizens Transportation Commission, Citizens Concerned About the Project, Citizens Committee on the Future of Phoenix Transportation, Co-chair of 2008 Arizona Ron Paul for President campaign, Paycheck Protection Ballot Chairman, SOS Ballot Chairman, Arizona Business Leadership, Goldwater Institute (co-founder, board of directors, executive committee 15 yrs); Arizona State Board for Charter Schools (appointed by governor with senate confirmation); Arizona Kazakhstan Partnership Foundation (co-founder, director); Arizona Spectator (co-founder), Star Shine Academy-National Board of Advisors, Allied American Life Insurance Company (board of directors); Arizona Department of Mines (board member & chairman); Phoenix Rotary Club 100 board of directors; Phoenix Civil Service Board (chairman, Phoenix mayoral appointment); Arizona Department of Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (AZ Senate appointment); Phoenix Fire and Police Pension Board; First Interstate Bank Political Action Committee & Public Affairs Committee; Central Arizona Estate Planners Conference; Service Academy Selection Panel member for Sen DeConcini & Congressmen Shadegg, Rudd, Conlan; Arizona National Guard Project Challenge (mentor); Phoenix Citizens Bond Committee; Phoenix Jaycees Operation Threshold (chairman); Outstanding Young Man of America (selected twice); Arizona Society of Association Executives; Mensa, The Newcomen Society, USAF Academy Varsity Gymnastics Team (lettered two years); Mesa Community College Continuing Education Student Government Association (President); Arizona Junior College Student Government Association (President), Arizona Governor’s Student Advisory Board 230327

Jon and his wife Brenda have been married since 1991, and they have lived in Peoria since 2001. The Edwards have three children who all attended local district schools.

Mr. Edwards was elected Vice Mayor in 2015 and re-elected in 2017. He was appointed to the National League of Cities Community and Economic Development Committee in 2015. He was appointed by the Mayor the Peoria Not-For-Profit Committee in 2014 and was appointed to the City Council Policy and Appointments Subcommittee in 2013.

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.

Jacob Butler is a member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and was elected to the SRPMIC Tribal Council in 2022. He is Onk Akimel O’Odham and has lived within his Community his entire life. Councilman Butler is the District A Representative.

Councilmember Butler has worked for his community for the past 20 years. He previously worked as the Cultural Resource Specialist and was the primary contact for the Section 106 government to government Consultation for the tribe and has worked with many indigenous communities across the country during his time as the Community Garden Coordinator. Councilman Butler is a strong advocate of supporting and maintaining ancestral lands of the Onk Akimel O’Odham and strongly supports representation of indigenous people.

Councilmember Butler is currently serving as Chair of the Non-profit Organization Native Seed Search and is a board member of the Friends of Pueblo Grande Auxiliary. Councilman Butler has also been appointed to serve on Salt River Fields Board and Salt River DEVCO boards.

Councilmember Butler is also an avid artist. He practices the O’odham tradition of shell-etching and has participated in a number of events and galleries around the world, including (but not limited to): Prehistoric Collectors Gallery of the Southwest Potters, SRPMIC Huhugam Ki Museum, Arizona Heard Museum, Smithsonian Institute National Museum of American Indian video, wall art panel for the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, wall art panel at the Odysea Aquarium, Gateway Airport traditional tools and shell, Great Wolf Lodge, Hayden House Rehabilitation Project, Pueblo Grand Museum, Huhugam Heritage Center. In 2018, Councilman Butler presented Colorado Rockies player, Ian Desmond with his personal fielding glove that was designed to represent the culture of the Akimel O’odham as a way to maintain and honor the unique connection and relationship the Colorado Rockies have established with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Biography coming soon.

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.

Coming soon.

Doug DeClusin is the founder, President and CEO of Sunland Asphalt, a full-service commercial grading, asphalt paving and Heavy Highway contractor. Founded in 1979, Sunland has grown from two to over 350 employees, with offices in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico and revenues reaching $100 million in 2014.

Over the last 35 years, Sunland Asphalt has completed a myriad of projects ranging from highways to parking lots. Sunland Asphalt has completed projects in over 30 states and Mexico. Sunland was named one of the “Top 50 Private Companies in Arizona” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In 2013, Sunland was named one of “Arizona's Fastest Growing Private Companies” and was most recently recognized as a “Top 5 Company in Heavy Construction” by Ranking Arizona, the Best of Arizona Business.

An active participant in the construction industry, DeClusin is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Chapter of The Associated General Contractors where he has been a member since 2007 and is on the Board of Directors for Pantheon Enterprises. He is also an active member of the Executives’ Association of Greater Phoenix. Doug was finalist for Construction Executive of the Year in 2009 by the Construction Financial Management Association and CEO of the Year by Phoenix Business Journal in 2012. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, Horses Help, the Ronald McDonald charities, as well as the ASU Del E. Webb School of Construction.

Bio coming soon.

David C. Berry is the Vice President of Phoenix based Swift Transportation, the nation's largest Truckload Carrier. Mr. Berry is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in finance. He has been a resident of Phoenix for 42 years and is an active member of the transportation industry. He serves as Director of the American Trucking Association (ATA) and Chair of the ATA Tax Policy and Communications committee. Other transportation activities include serving as Director of the Western Highway Institute, Chairman of the Arizona Highways Users Association, Director of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Governor's CANAMEX Trade Corridor Task Force.

Bio coming soon.

Tyler Pace is a founding member and Managing Partner of Aegis Health Care, a leading provider in integrated care models for home-bound seniors; servicing thousands of individuals through multiple brands and business lines across the United States, including Triton Transport which provides Non-Emergency Transportation services in Arizona, Alaska, and rural Utah. Tyler is a former Arizona State Senator, serving his community as Chairman of the Transportation and Technology Committee, championing sustainable long-term investments in infrastructure. Tyler graduated Suma Cum Lade from ASU’s Hugh Downs School of Communication with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication and currently sits as member in multiple national associations and committees in the fields of healthcare, technology, and transportation. Tyler is focused on raising the bar, both personally and professionally. He believes in constant self-improvement and corporate responsibility. As a policy maker, entrepreneur and employer, Tyler is dedicated to improving his industry and community.

Vulcan Materials is the country’s largest producer of construction aggregates, with significant aggregate positions in the U.S and Mexico. Vulcan is also one of the nation’s foremost producers of ready mix concrete and asphalt.

Mark has been with Vulcan for 27 years, holding various business and legal positions. Prior to his current role with Vulcan, Mark served as Vice-President of Business Development and Division Counsel for Vulcan’s Western Division, responsible for strategic direction, growth and legal affairs, and as Vice-President and General Manager of Vulcan’s Arizona/New Mexico Region.

Mark graduated with honors from Arizona State University in 1982 and received his law degree from Creighton University in 1985. He also holds an MBA from Arizona State University. Mr. Reardon is admitted to practice in Arizona and before the U.S. District Court for Arizona.

Mr. Reardon’s professional affiliations include the State Bar of Arizona and the Maricopa County Bar Association. He has been appointed by the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives to serve on the Arizona Mining Advisory Council.

Mark is a life member and past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Rock Products Association. He is also a past member of the boards of directors of the New Mexico Mining Association and the Concrete Industry Management Program of the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.

His community involvement has included memberships on the boards of directors of Arizona Special Olympics and the Boy and Girls Club of the East Valley.