Reaffirming the Purpose of Local Government
In a time of rapid change, increasing demands, and rising public scrutiny, this year’s ACMA Summer Conference invites local government professionals to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the core purpose of our work: serving communities with integrity, resilience, and vision.
Through timely sessions on housing challenges, innovations in infrastructure, and building strong leadership pipelines, we’ll explore how local government continues to shape the places we call home. We’ll take a closer look at the relationships that anchor effective governance—including the critical dynamics between managers and attorneys, and between managers and elected officials.
As organizations grapple with workplace culture and the need for civil discourse—both internally and in the public sphere—this conference offers space to rediscover the values that ground our profession and the practical tools to lead with intention. Whether you're navigating tough decisions, mentoring the next generation, or simply reconnecting with your “why,” this year’s theme is about celebrating the enduring value of local government and those who make it work.
Agenda: Wednesday
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Golf Tournament
8:00 AM | Ventana Canyon Club & Lodge (6200 N. Club House Lane, Tucson, AZ 85750)
This tournament is geared toward relaxation, fellowship and fun for all. With an 8 a.m. shotgun start, the tournament’s scramble format allows inexperienced golfers to join the fun as you will be paired with experienced golfers on a four-person team. Green fees, practice balls and cart are $80 for 18 holes and participants pay at the course on the day of the tournament. Rental clubs are $75, and the driving range will be open before the round. The course is located on-property just a shuttle ride from the conference hotel. It is recommended that players arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. Prizes for first and second places, along with individual prizes, will be awarded at the bar following play. To sign up for the golf tournament please contact Tim Pickering at Tim@IPMaz.com or 480-577-0949 no later than Tuesday July 8, 2025.
Registration Opens
10:00 AM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Lunch featuring Lunch with a Mentor
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Salon C
Innovative Community-Led Solutions to Address Housing
12:30 - 1:30 PM | Grand Ballroom
This session will explore a community-led approach to addressing the housing crisis through strategic partnerships, innovative financing, and community-driven development, featuring insights from the City of Tucson, City of Flagstaff, and City of Bisbee. Panelists will discuss creative solutions and best practices for addressing various housing needs.
Facilitator:
Stephanie Zamora, Assistant to the City Manager, Tucson
Speakers:
Ann Chanecka, Housing and Community Development Director, Tucson
Sarah Darr, Housing Director, Flagstaff
Steve Pauken, City Manager, Bisbee
Stephanie Zamora – Bio
Stephanie Zamora earned a position with the Marvin Andrews Fellowship in 2020 after transitioning to the public sector from the nonprofit sector where she focused on human rights advocacy. Based in Tucson, AZ, the Colibri Center for Human Rights worked alongside key legislators and public servants in Pima County to advance their mission in immigration justice. Now in her second year of her MPA, she is serving the City of Scottsdale as a Management Intern in the City Manager’s Office where she focuses on special projects in education, human services, and employee support. She also serves the Town of Guadalupe as their Public Information Officer. With an educational background in Anthropology and Linguistics, Stephanie centers equity and access in all aspects of her career. Originally from Mexico, Stephanie grew up in the Valley since age three and feels a strong dedication to serving the outstanding Arizona community.
Ann Chanecka – Bio
Ann Chanecka is the Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Tucson and has over 20 years of experience in grant writing, planning, and community development. As Director, she oversees the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, Homeless Solutions, Planning, and Community Development for the department. She oversaw the successful Housing and Urban Development $50 million dollar Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant application and the city’s first affordable housing development project in over 10 years. She has a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Arizona and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar.
Sarah Darr – Bio
Sarah Darr is the Housing Director for the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, where she oversees all housing programs, including the Housing Authority. With a career in housing spanning almost 25 years, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing community solutions to address housing issues in Flagstaff, including one of the first municipal community land trusts in the country and a $20 million bond measure approved by voters in 2022 to create housing opportunities in Flagstaff.
A native of Flagstaff, Sarah holds a degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Social Work from Northern Arizona University. She furthered her professional development by becoming a Certified Public Manager through the Arizona State University Bob Ramsey School of Executive Management.
Steve Pauken – Bio
Steve Pauken is an Ohio native and began his public service as a City Councilmember and Mayor in his hometown. After 16 years as an elected official, he decided to pursue a local government career in city management. In 1999, Steve began his career as a city manager in Colorado, and by 2006 he was working in Arizona, first for the City of Bisbee, and then for the City of Winslow. After a brief retirement, he returned to work in 2021 for the City of Bisbee. He is the recipient of the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award as a Community Builder.
Presentation:
Innovative Community-Led Solutions to Address Housing Presentation
Break & Network with Sponsors
1:30 - 1:40 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Innovations in Infrastructure
1:40 - 2:35 PM | Grand Ballroom
Water, stormwater and solid waste management are major services cities and counties provide to protect human health and the environment. The growing population, costly infrastructure, and arid environment are just some of the challenges cities and counties face to maintain these critical services for their residents. In response, cities across Arizona are incorporating innovative infrastructure and technologies for advanced water purification, green stormwater, and recycling.
This session will highlight City of Scottsdale’s approach to advanced water purification and City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program. The session will also discuss the regional recycling commodity market trends and advanced processing technologies at City of Phoenix’s newest Materials Recovery Facility.
Facilitator:
Stacy Hettmansperger, Solid Waste Administrator, Phoenix
Speakers:
Gretchen Baumgardner, Water Policy Manager, Scottsdale
Xochitl Coronado-Vargas, Public Outreach Coordinator, Tucson
Eduardo Rodriguez, Deputy Public Works Director, Phoenix
Stacy Hettmansperger – Bio
Stacy Hettmansperger returned to the City of Phoenix Public Works Department in September 2021 to serve as Management Assistant II in the Director’s Office. Stacy previously served as the Senior Management Analyst with the City of Avondale’s Fire and Medical Department overseeing their payroll, budget and procurement functions in close partnership with the Finance and Human Resources departments. Stacy also helped the Department develop a data driven fire apparatus replacement schedule. For her service to the Fire and Medical Department, Stacy received honorary firefighter credentials. Prior to joining the City of Avondale, Stacy served over eight years with the City of Phoenix, seven of which were in the Public Works Department Facilities Management and Solid Waste Diversion and Disposal Divisions. As Public Works Operations Manager in the Solid Waste Diversion and Disposal Division, Stacy oversaw the construction and start-up operations of the City’s award-winning industrial scale compost facility as well as the 27th Avenue Transfer Station and recycling operations. In 2017 Stacy was awarded Operations Manager of the Year by the Arizona Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America. Stacy earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University during which time she served as a Marvin Andrews Fellow. Stacy also holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Political Science. Stacy attributes her professional successes from the invaluable experiences in her early career as a Marvin Andrews Fellow and City of Phoenix Management Intern.
Gretchen Baumgardner – Bio
Gretchen Baumgardner joined Scottsdale water in 2020 as the Water Policy Manager. Ms. Baumgardner is responsible for managing the city’s water resources portfolio, advisor to city leadership regarding regional, state, and local water issues, as well as legislative issues regarding water that may impact the city. She is the utility’s liaison with the Salt River Project and the Central Arizona Project. She also manages the water conservation staff and its 25+ conservation programs. Ms. Baumgardner has worked in the local government for more than a decade which also included the city of Tempe and Mesa. Before working in the public sector, she was a staff engineer for a global engineering firm as an infrastructure planning engineer. Ms. Baumgardner has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering from Arizona State University. Ms. Baumgardner has a seven-year-old daughter and enjoys hiking with her daughter and husband throughout the desert southwest.
Xochitl Coronado-Vargas – Bio
Xochitl Coronado-Vargas is the Public Outreach Coordinator with the City of Tucson’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure program, Storm to Shade. In her role she utilizes various strategies to engage with the public and seek input across all stages of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects. Xochitl develops relationships with communities and stakeholders during design, construction and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) by hosting and attending public events, community celebrations and being responsive to community needs. Xochitl creates and delivers educational content about green stormwater infrastructure through in-person events, presentations, mailers, podcasts, social media and more. Xochitl holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona and has worked in non-profits and other public sector institutions throughout Tucson to build and deliver processes and programing that bring positive outcomes to underserved and marginalized communities.
Eduardo Rodriguez – Bio
Over the past nine years, Eduardo has served as a Deputy Public Works Director, Operations Manager, Project Manager, Budget Administrator, and Business Analyst in the City of Phoenix Public Works Department. As Deputy Public Works Director, Eduardo manages a $140 million operating budget and $125 million in CIP, oversees a team of 380 employees, and runs the city’s collections operations.
To supplement Eduardo’s professional experience, he holds a Master of Science Degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University.
Presentations:
City of Scottsdale Presentation
City of Tucson Presentation
City of Phoenix Presentation
Break & Network with Sponsors
2:35 - 2:45 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Building Your Bench: Preparing the Next Generation of City/County/Town Managers
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Grand Ballroom
This session focuses on building bench strength in our organizations and preparing the next generation of City, County and Town Managers whether they be graduate students, mid-level professionals or local government executives.
Facilitator:
Ginger Spencer, Deputy City Manager, Phoenix
Speakers:
Dr. Shannon Portillo, Director and Coor Presidential Chair, ASU Marvin Andrews and Jane Morris Fellowship
Dr. Sara Rinfret, Professor of Public Administration and MPA Director, NAU Practitioner in Residence Program
Dr. Lehman Benson, Vice President of Black Advancement and Engagement, Eller College of Management, U of A’s Executives in Government Program
Jenna Goad, Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance Manager, ACMA Management Academy and GoodyearGrows Program
Ginger Spencer – Bio
Ginger Spencer, was named Deputy City Manager for the city of Phoenix in May 2021. Prior to that she served as director of the city’s Public Works Department since 2017. Her areas of responsibility include Water, City Clerk, Council Agenda Function, Office of Accountability and Transparency, Community Assistance Program, and the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority/Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation.
During her 27 years of service with the city of Phoenix, Ginger has served in various leadership positions including Assistant Public Works Director, Deputy Public Works Director, Family Advocacy Center Director, Arts and Culture Administrator, and Special Assistant to the City Manager. In addition to serving as President of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA), she also serves on the board of directors for the Arizona Science Center, Trellis of Arizona and The Recycling Partnership. A native of Phoenix, Ginger holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
In 2013, she was named by The Phoenix Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40” Top Business Leaders in Phoenix and was also named by the Engaging Local Government Leaders in 2018 as a Traeger 100 Top Influencer in Government. In 2021, Ginger was recognized by the American Public Works Association as one of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders in the nation. In 2024, she was awarded the NextGen Mentorship Award by the ACMA.
Dr. Shannon Portillo – Bio
Dr. Shannon Portillo, serves as director and Lattie and Elva Coor Presidential Chair in the School of Public Affairs in Watts College of Public Service at Arizona State University. There she leads a dynamic faculty of 50 scholars and practitioners, overseeing seven degree programs, and approximately 1,500 students. Dr. Portillo’s scholarship explores how formal policies and rules and informal social norms shape the work of public organizations. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, Women’s Foundation, Army Research Institute, and other entities. Her work has appeared in a broad array of academic and popular outlets. She has been recognized for her scholarship and service as an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and winner of the Hobby Prize for Ethics, Leadership and Public Policy and the Steeples Service to Kansas Award. Her third book, The Myth of Bureaucratic Neutrality: An Examination of Merit and Representation (with co-authors Nicole Humphrey and Domonic Bearfield), was published with Routledge Press. Community service is a core value. Dr. Portillo served as Co-Chair of Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice and was elected Chair of the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners.
Jenna Goad – Bio
Jenna Goad, has more than 19 years of government experience and currently serves as the Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance Manager for the city of Goodyear, AZ. In this role she oversees the city’s strategic planning, performance management, and continuous improvement programs. Previously, as Assistant to the City Manager, Jenna supervised the administrative functions of the City Manager’s Office, including the Council Office and the Neighborhood Services division, in addition to leading special projects. Prior to joining Goodyear, Jenna served in a variety of roles with the city of Glendale, AZ specializing in public affairs and intergovernmental relations, and in two different roles with the state of Arizona. Jenna earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arizona State University. Jenna also has a professional certificate in advanced public engagement for local government from Pepperdine University and was awarded a certificate of completion for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program, July 2023, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education. She serves on the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) Board of Directors and is a member of the International City Management Association (ICMA).
Dr. Sara Rinfret – Bio
Dr. Sara Rinfret, is currently the Vice President/President-Elect for NASPAA, and a Professor of Public Administration at NAU, directing the MPA program. With almost two decades of higher education administrative experience, she has served in a variety of roles (Acting Dean, Associate Vice Provost, Associate Dean, Department Chair, and MPA Director). Rinfret is a nationally recognized scholar in regulatory policy, environmental policy, women and public policy, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and public administration. To date, she has published 10 books, more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, and several book chapters. She was a Fulbright Specialist in public administration and studied with scholars at the University of Aarhus (Denmark, 2016). She’s an award-winning teacher, served on the Executive Council for NASPAA, and regularly conducts site visits for accreditation and university program reviews. She is the current co-editor-in chief for the Journal of Public Affairs Education (JPAE). She holds an MPA from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs (Ohio State) and a PhD in political science from Northern Arizona University.
Dr. Lehman Benson – Bio
Dr. Lehman Benson joined the Eller College of Management in 1994 after earning his PhD in Psychology at Lund University (Sweden). In addition, to studying in Sweden, Benson completed a Presidential Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of California Berkeley. He served as the executive director of Eller’s Sports Management Program from 2012-2020. His areas of expertise include risk management, sports management, conflict management, negotiation strategies, organizational justice and judgment and decision-making.
Benson is a member of the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee at the University of Arizona. He is also Pillar Three owner of the University of Arizona Strategic Plan.
ACMA Board Meeting
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Executive Boardroom
Welcome Reception
5:45 - 7:00 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Agenda: Thursday
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Full Breakfast
7:30 - 8:20 AM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Corner Discussions
8:00 - 10:00 AM
- Associate Member Corner | Salon D&G
- Assistant/Deputy Manager’s Corner | Salon F
- Manager’s Corner | Catalina Ballroom
10:00 - 10:20 AM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Creating Common Ground: Civil Discourse in Public Life
10:20– 11:45 AM | Grand Ballroom
In this interactive seminar, participants will learn how to create constructive community conversations using proven tools that include the Arizona Town Hall process. Arizona Town Hall has been studied by leaders around the world as a model for reducing conflict and resolving complex issues in a manner that strengthens communities.
Speakers:
Evelyn Casuga, Community & Economic Prosperity Director, Center for the Future of Arizona
Tara Jackson, President, Arizona Town Hall
Evelyn Casuga – Bio
Evelyn Casuga serves as Director of Community and Economic Prosperity for the Center for the Future of Arizona part time and is on the Central Arizona College Governing Board. In addition to volunteering with Arizona Town Hall, her civic activities include board service with Arizona Capital Source, Filipino American National Historical Society-AZ, Growth Partners Arizona, Local First Arizona, and Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth. Born and raised in central California, Evelyn received her Master’s of City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Evelyn retired from APS after 25 years, served nearly ten years in municipal government and has now over 10 years in the non-profit sector.
Tara Jackson – Bio
Tara Jackson has served as president of Arizona Town Hall since July of 2006. In that capacity, she works with diverse Arizonans from around the state to create informed community and statewide sessions where participants discuss challenging political and social topics in a manner that builds consensus and creates blueprints for positive change. She also frequently acts as a facilitator and consultant for government and private organizations.
Prior to joining the staff of Arizona Town Hall, Tara practiced law in the area of employment and commercial litigation for 16 years. In addition to her law practice, Tara taught as an adjunct professor for ASU’s Law School and has served in numerous positions for both state and federal bar associations. She has also served in various leadership or advisory positions for other non-profit and educational organizations.
Presentation:
Creating Constructive Community Conversation Presentation
Gabe Zimmerman Awards Luncheon
12:00 - 1:30 PM | Kiva Ballroom
Keynote Presentation: Greedy Bastards - One City’s Texas Size Struggle to Avoid a Financial Crisis
1:45 – 2:45 PM | Grand Ballroom
Greedy Bastards tells the story of Sheryl and her new team’s uphill battle to turn around San Antonio city government. She takes you behind closed doors to share the hard changes she made and the strategies she used to create mutually beneficial solutions to the city’s biggest problems.
Speaker:
Sheryl Sculley, Author, Former San Antonio City Manager
Sheryl Sculley – Bio
Sheryl Sculley, is an award-winning city manager who is considered an authority on city management. She gained national attention for dealing with unsustainable benefits for San Antonio’s police and fire unions—and in doing so, steered the city away from a future financial crisis.
During her tenure, San Antonio achieved a AAA bond rating and invested billions of dollars into critical infrastructure updates and additions. Prior to serving in San Antonio, Sculley was the assistant city manager in Phoenix and city manager of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Sculley is a life member of the International City Management Association and a fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration. After 45 years of public service, Sculley retired from city management in 2019.
Senior Advisor Meetings
1:45 - 4:30 PM | Executive Boardroom
Break & Networking
2:40 - 3:00 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
The Importance of City/Town/County Attorney and Manager Relationship: Stories from the Trenches
3:00 - 3:45 PM | Grand Ballroom
One of the most important working relationships a City/Town/County Manager can have is with their attorney. This can be a challenge when most city/town attorneys are appointed by the council and County Attorneys are elected by the people. This session will explore how to cultivate and utilize the relationship with your attorney and why it is so important to effectively run your community.
Speakers:
Bryant Powell, City Manager, Apache Junction
Mike Rankin, City Attorney, Tucson
Darek Rapier, County Administrator, Greenlee County
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney, Chandler
Bryant Powell – Bio
Bryant Powell started with the City of Apache Junction as the Assistant City Manager in 2001. In July of 2015, he became the City Manager. As City Manager, he assists the City Council in developing and implementing a successful strategic plan to maintain and enhance the quality of life of all those who live, visit, work or invest in the City of Apache Junction.
In his former position, Assistant City Manager, Bryant managed personnel, the budget and Capital Improvement Plan, and day-to-day internal and external operations of the City. This included direct oversight of Management Services Administration consisting of Economic Development, Community Relations and Public Information, Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology. He was the City’s lead staff member in the construction of the City Hall/Municipal Court, the Multi-Generational Center, Library expansion and Police Department remodel.
Bryant has more than 20 years of experience in local government. Prior to coming to the City of Apache Junction, Bryant served as a Senior Budget Analyst for the City of San Antonio, Texas. Before that, he served as a Management Intern with the City Manager’s Offices in Cedar City, Utah; Orem, Utah; and Orange, Calif.
Bryant holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University and attended Eastern Arizona College. Bryant lives in Apache Junction, is married and has three daughters.
Mike Rankin – Bio
Mike Rankin is the City Attorney for the City of Tucson. Mike began his career at the City of Tucson as a law clerk in the City Prosecutor’s Office in 1992. In 2000 Mike moved into the Civil Division of the Office and was appointed as the Tucson City Attorney in 2004. Mike earned his B.A. from Colgate University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona. Mike was recognized by the Public Lawyers Section of the State Bar as a Distinguished Public Lawyer in 2016; and by the ACAA as a Distinguished Municipal Attorney in 2023 (which means he is old and will retire soon).
Darek Rapier – Bio
Darek Rapier was born and raised in Greenlee County and after graduating from the Marriott School of Management and the BYU Law School, he was able to return to his hometown of Duncan, AZ. He began working as a part-time prosecutor, part-time public lands consultant for the county and ran a small private law practice in Clifton. Four years into his career, he was first elected as the Greenlee County Attorney and served as prosecutor and legal counsel for the county for the next five terms, retiring in 2016. After a brief stint back in private practice, Mr. Rapier returned to Greenlee County government where he has been serving as the Greenlee County Administrator for the past six years.
Mr. Rapier has served on boards of trustees, a local school board, and other governing boards and councils with financial and management oversight of organizations as varied as liability insurance, prosecution policy and training, and county governance. Throughout his career, Mr. Rapier has had the unique opportunity to be on both sides of a highly effective Attorney-Client, Management-Legal Counsel relationships.
Kelly Schwab – Bio
Kelly Schwab has served as the City Attorney and Risk Manager for the City of Chandler since November 2016. Ms. Schwab oversees the Law Department which consists of 33 people and 3 sections: civil, prosecution, and risk management.
Prior to her tenure in Chandler, Ms. Schwab worked in Mesa for one year as an Assistant City Attorney and was in private practice representing several municipalities throughout the State of Arizona including Gilbert, Wickenburg, Oro Valley, Quartzsite, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, Clifton, and others. Her litigation experience includes insurance defense, civil litigation, and criminal prosecution. She has served as lead counsel in defending public entities on employment, civil rights, personal injury, & construction cases.
Ms. Schwab obtained her Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona and is also admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court in the District of Arizona. She is actively involved in community and legal organizations. She currently serves as the Arizona representative of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and is a member of the Planning Committee for the conferences. She has served as president of the Arizona City Attorneys Association and the Public Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. Ms. Schwab was awarded the 2000-2001 Arizona State Bar Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for exceptional service to the State Bar and the community. The Arizona City Attorneys Association recognized Schwab with its Distinguished Municipal Attorney Award in 2022.
Break & Networking
3:45 - 4:00 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Helping a Governing Body Work Well Together: What the Manager Can Do
4:00 - 4:45 PM | Grand Ballroom
We all know the distinction between policy and administration. Our governing body governs, and we implement. But the lines do cross when our elected officials are not working well together. We are often asked to intervene in their disagreements. Should we be hands off? Or are there approaches we can take that will help the elected officials be effective as a body. Hear from experienced managers who have tips for helping their elected officials be effective and support the type of organizational culture that gets important work done.
Facilitator:
Susan Thorpe, ACMA Senior Advisor
Speakers:
Wynette Reed, City Manager, Goodyear
Maury Thompson, County Manager, Yavapai County
Greg Caton, City Manager, Scottsdale
Susan Thorpe – Bio
Susan K. Thorpe serves as a Senior Advisor for the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Prior to becoming a Senior Advisor, Susan served for 38 years in local governments, including serving as Yuma County Administrator in Yuma, Arizona, as well as City Manager for two Texas cities and Assistant/Deputy City Manager for cities in Texas, California and Arizona.
In January 2023, Susan received the John J. “Jack” DeBolske Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Arizona City/County Management Association. This award recognizes City/County Managers who demonstrate the highest level of professional excellence in local government and who have made life contributions in serving the profession.
Previously, Susan was named MPA Alumni of the Year in 1998 by the University of North Texas for her contribution to local government. In 2011, she received the Catherine Connolly Outstanding Assistant City/County Manager Award from ACMA.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas (UNT). She is a graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Susan has been an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2004.
Susan lives in Tucson with her husband Jay McLaughlin along with three horses and two dogs.
Wynette Reed – Bio
Wynette Reed was appointed City Manager in February 2023. Wynette has more than 37 years of municipal government experience, including over 26 years in management/leadership roles.
She came to Goodyear in 2011 as the city's Human Resources Director and was soon promoted to Deputy City Manager in March 2013 and has overseen every department in the city during her tenure.
Prior to joining Goodyear, Reed held the Human Resources Director position for the City of Peoria for 3½ years. Before making her home in Arizona in 2008, she served as HR Director for Larimer County and Assistant HR Director for Fort Collins, Colorado. Reed has experience in strategic planning, organizational development and human capital planning. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. She was also awarded a certificate of completion for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program, July 2015, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education. Reed has demonstrated her leadership acumen throughout her career through building collaborative relationships and a focus on innovative thinking.
Maury Thompson – Bio
Maury Thompson As Yavapai County Manager, Thompson is responsible for the management and oversight of thirteen county departments. He also assists the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials by providing information, planning, and special project oversight. A key part of his role includes developing, reviewing, presenting, and administering the county's budget. Furthermore, he handles intergovernmental relations with cities and towns within Yavapai County, as well as with other counties, and state and federal agencies, and assists with legislative issues that affect the county.
Before joining Yavapai County, Thompson had a significant career in Kansas. He served as the Deputy County Manager for Johnson County, Kansas, starting in 2017. Prior to that position, he was the Assistant County Manager and Executive Director of Johnson County Developmental Supports, an agency of county government.
Thompson holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Park University Graduate School of Public Affairs in Kansas City, Missouri.
Since taking office in Yavapai County, Thompson has been involved in key county processes, including guiding the Board of Supervisors through the selection process for a new District Two Supervisor in early 2025 and the successful voter approved permanent base expenditure limit adjustment in the fall of 2024
Greg Caton – Bio
Greg Caton currently serves as City Manager where he oversees Water, Communications and Citizen Service, Human Resources, management associates, and management intern/fellow. Greg is a native Coloradan and previously held city manager positions at the City of Grand Junction, CO., and the Town of Oro Valley, AZ and was assistant city manager with the City of Durango, CO. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. Greg is a credentialed city manager through ICMA and is an active local government professional, participating in statewide multijurisdictional groups and boards.
Listening Session with ICMA
5:00 – 6:00 PM | Grand Ballroom
This is a special opportunity for Members to hear from and provide feedback to ICMA representatives during an interactive listening session.
Presider:
Ginger Spencer, Deputy City Manager, Phoenix
Speakers:
Julia Novak, Executive Director/CEO, ICMA
Wayne Parker, Mountain Plains Regional Director, ICMA
Pam Davis, Regional Vice President, ICMA
Ginger Spencer – Bio
Ginger Spencer was named Deputy City Manager for the city of Phoenix in May 2021. Prior to that she served as director of the city’s Public Works Department since 2017. Her areas of responsibility include Water, City Clerk, Council Agenda Function, Office of Accountability and Transparency, Community Assistance Program, and the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority/Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation.
During her 27 years of service with the city of Phoenix, Ginger has served in various leadership positions including Assistant Public Works Director, Deputy Public Works Director, Family Advocacy Center Director, Arts and Culture Administrator, and Special Assistant to the City Manager. In addition to serving as President of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA), she also serves on the board of directors for the Arizona Science Center, Trellis of Arizona and The Recycling Partnership. A native of Phoenix, Ginger holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
In 2013, she was named by The Phoenix Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40” Top Business Leaders in Phoenix and was also named by the Engaging Local Government Leaders in 2018 as a Traeger 100 Top Influencer in Government. In 2021, Ginger was recognized by the American Public Works Association as one of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders in the nation. In 2024, she was awarded the NextGen Mentorship Award by the ACMA.
Julia Novak – Bio
Julia Novak, ICMA-CM, is CEO/executive director of ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, which advances professional local government worldwide through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics. ICMA is the authority on leadership and management for appointed professional managers and administrators serving U.S. and international local governments.
Julia will oversee all aspects of ICMA, including membership, staff, and implementation of the executive board’s strategic objectives. With extensive experience in local government, Julia has served as both a city manager and a deputy city manager. She has been an ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2002 and has successfully built a thriving consulting practice, advising various local government entities with populations of up to 1.3 million people.
Julia's global experience includes supporting local government work in Iraq, China, and Africa. Her proven leadership ability and entrepreneurial vision will help ICMA continue to evolve and grow, ensuring the organization effectively serves its members and advocates for their important work.
Julia earned a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.
Wayne Parker – Bio
Wayne Parker joined ICMA as the Mountain Plains Regional Director in March 2024 following a stellar 40+ year career serving local governments in Missouri, Kansas, and Utah. He most recently retired from his role as chief administrative officer of the city of Provo, Utah after 20 years of service to his community and brings a passion for community development, public safety, and innovation. He was the recipient of the ICMA Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark Keane in 2020. As the Mountain Plains Regional Director, Wayne serves as a conduit between ICMA and the multiple state associations across the Mountain Plains Region, which includes the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Wayne and his wife Julie live in Provo, Utah and have five children (including a son who is an assistant village manager in Illinois) and 13 grandchildren.
Pam Davis – Bio
For her entire career, Pam Davis has worked on behalf of communities to promote belonging, partnership, and innovation. Pam is currently Assistant City Manager for the City of Boulder, Colorado. Prior to Boulder, she has served four other cities: Sierra Vista and Goodyear, Arizona, and Fort Collins and Estes Park, Colorado. She is also currently the Mountain Plains Regional Vice President for the International City/County Management Association executive board and President of CivicPRIDE, a professional association dedicated to advancing LGBTQIA+ leadership in local government.
Pam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Smith College and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Management from Arizona State University, where was honored to be a Marvin Andrews Fellow.
Presentation:
Listening Session with ICMA Presentation
Evening Reception
6:00 - 7:00 PM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Agenda: Friday
Friday, July 18, 2025
Full Breakfast
7:30 - 8:30 AM | Grand Ballroom Foyer
Leading with Authenticity: Boosting Morale and Building Culture in Times of Change
8:30- 9:30 AM | Grand Ballroom
In today’s rapidly evolving public sector environment, resilient organizations begin with authentic leadership. Being “real” means showing up with integrity, empathy, and vulnerability—qualities that help leaders build trust, foster connection, and create meaningful workplace relationships. When leaders lead with authenticity, they create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
This session features a candid conversation with local government leaders who will share their journeys—what shaped their leadership style, how they learned from missteps and less-than-ideal role models, and what they’ve done to strengthen morale and culture in their organizations.
Speakers:
Ron Corbin, City Manager, Avondale, AZ
Joanne Keene, Deputy City Manager, Flagstaff, AZ
Jennifer Reichelt, Deputy City Administrator, Yuma, AZ
Ron Corbin – Bio
Ron Corbin career in public service began in 2002, spanning over two decades in the sectors of Municipal Management and Human Resources. Mr. Corbin joined Avondale as the City Manager on Monday, November 14, 2022, after serving as the Cottonwood City Manager for almost 4 years.
While serving as Human Resources Director in the City of Yuma, the Town of Oro Valley, and as Deputy Human Resources Director in Yuma County, Mr. Corbin championed employee engagement, retention, and training; enhanced the employee recruitment, selection, and onboarding process; restructured performance evaluation systems; reduced unemployment claims; led union contract negotiations; improved relationships with public safety; refined employee health plans; and repaired and reinforced trust and mutual respect of Human Resources.
As Town Manager in Cottonwood and Deputy City Administrator in Yuma, Mr. Corbin focused his efforts on improving interdepartmental communications and City Administrative services; enhancing staff accountability; improving Council relations; strategic performance management; increasing general fund cash reserves; creating an internal “Open for Business” mentality; increasing community inclusion in City government; and creating an atmosphere of accountability, respect, and integrity.
Mr. Corbin holds a Master’s degree of Administration with Distinction from Northern Arizona University, and both a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Washington University. Mr. Corbin serves as a member of the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA).
Joanne Keene – Bio
Joanne Keene joined the City as Deputy City Manager in June of 2023. Prior to working at the City, Keene served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Sedona, a Deputy County Manager for Coconino County and the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Northern Arizona University. Joanne has twenty-five years in federal, state and local government roles serving the State of Arizona, including Government Relations Director for Coconino County and Public Information Officer for the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Joanne spent eight years working for the U.S. House of Representatives, five of those years in Washington, DC. Joanne and her husband John have lived in Flagstaff for almost 20 years. Joanne is a Northern Arizona University graduate with a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in English and broadcast journalism. Joanne is also a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University.
Jennifer Reichelt – Bio
Jennifer Reichelt has over two decades of experience in local government and currently serves as Deputy City Administrator for the City of Yuma, Arizona. In this role, she helps lead city operations with a focus on strategic planning, economic development, communications, and organizational development.
Prior to joining Yuma, Jennifer was a manager at Raftelis (formerly The Novak Consulting Group), leading executive recruitments and organizational assessments nationwide. Her previous roles include Deputy City Manager for the City of Great Falls, Montana, and Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications for the City of Glendale, Arizona.
Jennifer holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University. She is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, LEAN certified, and a graduate of Leadership ICMA and the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Arizona Women Leading Government and the Arizona City/County Management Association and is deeply involved in advancing the profession through mentorship, public speaking, and training. She also chairs the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance and helped launch the Southwest Arizona Women Leading Government chapter.
Presentation:
Leading with Authenticity Presentation
Economic Update
9:40 – 10:30 AM | Grand Ballroom
This session offers a clear look at where the economy is headed—both nationwide and here in Arizona. We’ll use models and analysis from the Seidman Institute at ASU to cover trends in growth, jobs, and interest rates, then spell out what they could mean for Arizona’s cities and towns. I look forward to your questions and to a lively interactive session.
Speaker:
Sean Ewen PhD, Postdoctoral Research Scholar, L. William Seidman Research Institute, ASU
Sean Ewen – Bio
Sean Ewen is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University. A native of Arizona, he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at American University in Washington, D.C. and his PhD in economics at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. His dissertation investigates topics of air travel demand, commercial bank competition, and invasive species regulation. At the Seidman Institute, he performs economic and statistical analyses for a diverse array of business, nonprofit, and government clients.
Presentation:
Economic Update Presentation
Legislative Update
10:40 – 11:45 AM | Grand Ballroom
This session will provide an update for Members on a variety of timely legislative issues. Representatives from the League of Arizona Cities & Towns as well as the County Supervisors Association will provide an overview of the 2025 legislative session and explain the challenges and opportunities currently facing Arizona cities, towns and counties going forward.
Speakers:
René Guillen, Deputy Director, League of Arizona Cities and Towns
Craig Sullivan, Executive Director, County Supervisors Association
René Guillen – Bio
René Guillen is a Deputy Director at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. René was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He began working in politics in 2003 when he interned for the Arizona House of Representatives. He returned to work as research staff for the House in 2005. In 2010 he began working for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and in 2011 he became their Legislative Director. In January of 2015 he became the Policy Advisor on Government and Transportation for Governor Doug Ducey. In the fall of 2017, he left the Ducey administration to join the Town of Gilbert to serve as their Director of Intergovernmental Relations. In 2020 he left to rejoin the League as a deputy director serving under Tom Belshe. René has worked a wide variety of legislative issues including: HOAs, pension reform, illegal immigration, energy and water policy, transportation issues, deregulation, autonomous vehicles, occupational licensing, the sharing economy and local government issues. René and his wife Stacy live in Goodyear, AZ and have two children, Lincoln (8) and Charlotte (6).
Craig Sullivan – Bio
Craig Sullivan joined the staff of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona (CSA) in November 2004. He was appointed the executive director in August 2005 and is responsible for all aspects of CSA operations, including member services and the development and implementation of the state and federal legislative programs.
Documents:
Legislative Update - René Guillen's Presentation
Legislative Update - Craig Sullivan's Presentation
Conference Concludes
11:45 AM
Hotel
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 North Resort Drive, Tucson Arizona 85750
Phone: 520-299-2020
Rates
Member- $410
Non-member Government Employee – $475
Retired Member– $295
Student – $115
Spouse/Guest Full– $190
Sponsor – $485
Registration Deadlines
Conference registration closes on July 3, 2025.
Cancellations must be received in writing prior to July 3, 2025, to receive a partial refund.
No refunds will be provided after this date.
Conference Cancellation
Advance registrants unable to attend the conference are eligible to receive a partial refund of your registration fee by sending a written request by July 3, 2025. If a written cancellation request is received on or before July 3, 2025, a $30 processing fee will be charged regardless of the reason for cancellation (including medical emergencies).
Registrants who are unable to attend the conference may appoint a substitute. There will be no refunds for any cancellation after July 3, 2025. Cancellations must be emailed to league@azleague.org. Cancellations will not be accepted by telephone.