Ben Bitter – Bio
Ben Bitter, Benjamin Bitter has extensive work experience in various leadership and management roles. Benjamin currently holds the position of Deputy City Manager and Chief Product Officer at the City of Maricopa. Prior to this, Benjamin served as the Director of the Arizona City-County Management Association, where they played a significant role in planning conferences and professional development opportunities for local government professionals in Arizona. Benjamin also gained valuable experience as the Chairperson of the International City/County Management Association and as the Assistant to the Town Manager/Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Manager at the Town of Florence. In these roles, Benjamin worked closely with elected officials, media representatives, citizens, and business leaders to enhance the organization and improve the quality of life within the community. Benjamin was responsible for directing legislative and intergovernmental affairs, managing all communications, and serving as the economic development specialist.

Furthermore, Benjamin’s previous experiences include serving as the City Manager at the City of Ashland Kentucky, where they led a financial turnaround of the organization and oversaw its administration. Benjamin also worked as a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Casa Grande, AZ, where they played a crucial role in strategic planning, performance management, and establishing council priorities.

Earlier in their career, Benjamin worked as a Legislative Intern for the Utah House of Representatives and as a Congressional Intern for the US Congress, where they gained valuable experience in conducting research, participating in the legislative process, and managing constituent requests and correspondence.

Benjamin Bitter has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a focus on Urban Management from Arizona State University. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Brigham Young University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Spanish and Statistics. In addition to their formal education, Benjamin has also obtained several certifications. Benjamin has completed the Certificate of Completion in Senior Executives in State and Local Government from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education in June 2023. Benjamin is also a Kentucky Colonel, a recognition bestowed by The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 2015. Furthermore, Benjamin holds a Certificate of Management and Organizations, the issuing institution being the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management. Lastly, they have a certification in the National Incident Management System from FEMA.

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).

Tom Belshe – Bio
Tom Belshe is the Former Executive Director for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. From January 2005 until January of 2020, he served as the Deputy Director for the League. From October 2001 until December of 2004, Tom served as an Assistant Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce overseeing the operations of the Community Development Division. He also served as Executive Director of the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) where he was appointed in September of 1999. From July of 1998 until his appointment as Executive Director, Mr. Belshe worked as the Community Development Manager for GADA developing the Technical Assistance and the Community Outreach Programs. Before joining the GADA staff, he worked for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns for five years where he coordinated the Technical Assistance program which includes the League’s training program, publications, conferences, website and inquiry program. Mr. Belshe also worked in the City Manager’s Office for the City of Provo, Utah.

Mr. Belshe received his Bachelor of Science in Economics and his Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University.

Josh Wright – Bio
Josh Wright serves as the Chief Facilities and Planning Officer for the University of Arizona. Josh oversees facilities services, sustainability, and space strategy and management, and leads capital project initiatives, sustainable campus operations and the integrated planning of all university physical spaces to help deliver on the university’s strategic imperatives.

Josh brings two decades of distinguished experience in capital planning, sustainable development and strategic facilities planning within complex institutional environments. As city manager for Chandler, the fourth-largest city in Arizona, he demonstrated expertise spanning municipal operations, public budgeting, fiscal management, procurement, contracting, urban planning, zoning, engineering, building safety and utilities management.

Josh began his career at the U of A as director of the Safe Ride Program and this appointment marks a meaningful return to his roots. As chief facilities and planning officer, Josh will contribute to a campus environment that supports student success, fosters innovation and reflects our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Patrick Banger – Bio
Patrick S. Banger is the incoming City Manager of Glendale, Arizona. He will start that position on January 12, 2026. He was the former Town Manager in Gilbert, AZ from 2011 until 2025. Patrick has more than 25 years of local government experience in addition to 7 years of executive level leadership in the private sector.

During Patrick’s tenure Gilbert has become the 79th largest city in the U.S., with a growing population of 281,436. Patrick has been a key leader in the process of transforming Gilbert into one of the most sought-after places for residential living and corporate expansions and relocations. He is a forward- thinking, change-orientated leader and has been instrumental in helping Gilbert become one of the most prestigious and award-winning communities in the nation. Since 2011, Gilbert’s financial performance has excelled and was recognized as the top performing city in the nation post-recession, tripling its general fund reserves, and receiving thirty six credit rating upgrades culminating in AAA ratings from all three agencies; Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch and S&P placing Gilbert in the top .002% of cities in the nation.

Patrick has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. He is an active member of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Sr. Staff Committee, Past Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Board, current President-elect of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and a former Honorary Base Commander at Luke Air Force Base. He also received the 2019 John J. ‘Jack’ Debolski Award for Excellence in City Management by the Arizona City/County Management Association, the highest award ACMA bestows on a public official.

Jenn Daniels – Bio
Jenn Daniels is an expert in navigating the nuances and complexities of municipal government. She served in elected leadership for over a decade as a Council Member, Vice-Mayor and the Mayor of Gilbert, Arizona. Jenn led the Town to earn 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.

Jenn’s public and private sector experience spans a broad spectrum of responsibilities. She has a deep understanding of critical infrastructure, transportation planning and policy, and economic development strategies. Jenn is currently serving a six year term on the Arizona State Transportation Board and also serves as a board member for the Arizona Commerce Authority. Jenn is a Rodel Fellow, a Senior Housing Fellow for the Common Sense Institute, and in 2020, Jenn was named as an Arizona Capitol Times “Leader of the Year”.

Jenn’s true talent is her innate love of people and ability to organize anything. Her four kids keep getting older while she is unsuccessfully working on reverse-aging. She loves to hike, bake delicious treats, and be out and about in Arizona or wherever her travels take her with friends and family.

Ben Bitter – Bio
Ben Bitter, Benjamin Bitter has extensive work experience in various leadership and management roles. Benjamin currently holds the position of Deputy City Manager and Chief Product Officer at the City of Maricopa. Prior to this, Benjamin served as the Director of the Arizona City-County Management Association, where they played a significant role in planning conferences and professional development opportunities for local government professionals in Arizona. Benjamin also gained valuable experience as the Chairperson of the International City/County Management Association and as the Assistant to the Town Manager/Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Manager at the Town of Florence. In these roles, Benjamin worked closely with elected officials, media representatives, citizens, and business leaders to enhance the organization and improve the quality of life within the community. Benjamin was responsible for directing legislative and intergovernmental affairs, managing all communications, and serving as the economic development specialist.

Furthermore, Benjamin’s previous experiences include serving as the City Manager at the City of Ashland Kentucky, where they led a financial turnaround of the organization and oversaw its administration. Benjamin also worked as a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Casa Grande, AZ, where they played a crucial role in strategic planning, performance management, and establishing council priorities.

Earlier in their career, Benjamin worked as a Legislative Intern for the Utah House of Representatives and as a Congressional Intern for the US Congress, where they gained valuable experience in conducting research, participating in the legislative process, and managing constituent requests and correspondence.

Benjamin Bitter has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a focus on Urban Management from Arizona State University. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Brigham Young University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Spanish and Statistics. In addition to their formal education, Benjamin has also obtained several certifications. Benjamin has completed the Certificate of Completion in Senior Executives in State and Local Government from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education in June 2023. Benjamin is also a Kentucky Colonel, a recognition bestowed by The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 2015. Furthermore, Benjamin holds a Certificate of Management and Organizations, the issuing institution being the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management. Lastly, they have a certification in the National Incident Management System from FEMA.

Nancy Smith – Bio
Mayor 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 furthered her education by earning a degree in Business Management. She has spent the majority of her career in military technology and project management for major government programs. During her time at Motorola, she expanded her expertise by specializing in finance and budgeting. She deepened her experience in project management when she accepted a new position at General Dynamics. The skills and talents she developed at Motorola and General Dynamics are directly transferable to the duties and responsibilities of the Maricopa City Council.

Mayor Smith moved to Maricopa prior to the city's incorporation and has continuously served in various capacities since then. She is one of the co-founders and a former board member of the F.O.R. Maricopa food bank. She also served as Co-Chair of the American Cancer Society's Maricopa Relay for Life, initiated the Middle School Rocket Challenge, created the Senior Lunch & Learn program, co-founded Maricopa Friends of the Arts, and recently started a partnership between senior volunteers and transportation services to facilitate Senior Day Trips. She has a passion for non-profits and enjoys serving in church, school committees, and various city-wide events. Mayor Smith also participated in and graduated from the first Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy.

She was honored to be invited to serve as a board member of the Pinal Partnership Board of Directors, a member of the MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Regional Council, the MAG Economic Development Committee, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Executive Board. In these roles, Mayor Smith dedicates time to ensuring that the City of Maricopa's and regional needs and visions are represented. She focuses particularly on transportation, infrastructure, and economic development.

She is the proud mother of two children and a trusted mentor to a large extended family. In their free time, her husband and family enjoy watching their grandchildren play sports and cheering on their favorite college and professional teams. Although Arizona is not her birth state, she thoroughly loves living in Arizona and considers herself a native.

Mayor Smith served eight years as a Council Member/Vice Mayor and was selected to complete the remainder of former Mayor Christian Price's term on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. She was elected Mayor in August 2024. Nancy is focused on an agenda that builds a strong and sustainable economy, moving Maricopa from a bedroom community to a place where people live, work, and play, creating a thriving and enduring community.