Header image: Next Generation Leadership Conference graphic.

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2024 Next Generation Leadership Conference
October 25, 2024


The Next Generation Leadership Conference provides an experience for local government professionals who might not have the time or resources to attend a multi-day conference. Designed for aspiring leaders in or working toward a career in local government, it is a great way to open up leadership and mentoring dialogue, share lessons learned, and participate in experiences with others in our public service profession.

We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!

Attendees do not have to be members of ACMA to attend.

Registration Fee: $45.00

Registrants unable to attend the conference are eligible to receive a partial refund by emailing a cancellation request no later than Friday, October 11, 2024, to league@azleague.org If cancellations are not received by this date, refunds will not be made. All cancellations will be charged a $10 cancellation fee, regardless of the reason of the cancellation (including medical emergencies).



Tucson Electric Power

88 E. Broadway Blvd.,
Tucson, AZ 85701


Tucson Electric Power

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


AGENDA: FRIDAY, OCT 25

Registration Opens
8 AM


Welcome Remarks
9 AM


Speakers:
Jenna Goad, Assistant to the City Manager, Goodyear
Stacy Hettmansperger, Solid Waste Administrator, Phoenix

Balancing Act: Navigating Work and Life in Local Government
9:05 - 10:00 AM


As the demands of local government leadership evolve, navigating professional responsibilities and personal life becomes increasingly crucial. Through interviews with seasoned local government leaders, participants will gain insights into the realities of navigating work-life dynamics. Join us to discover how the next generation of local government leaders can lead fulfilling careers while maintaining personal well-being and resilience.

Speakers:
William Brooks, Management Associate to the City Manager, Scottsdale
Mary Jacobs, Executive Vice President for Consulting Services, GovHR USA; Retired Town Manager, Oro Valley
Madalaine McConville MPP, Economic Development Management Assistant, Tempe
Susan Thorpe, ACMA Senior Advisor; Retired County Administrator, Yuma County

William Brooks – Bio
William Brooks William Brooks is the Management Associate to the City Manager for the City of Scottsdale, where he coordinates performance management programs, serves on the Short Term Rental team, and provides oversight of arts and culture organizations. He also serves as Vice Chair of Membership for the Valley Benchmark Communities, a group of 13 Valley cities focused on improving government performance. Will earned his MPA from the University of Georgia, where he was named MPA Student of the Year, and has diverse experience working with arts and cultural non-profits across the country. As an emerging leader, Will is passionate about leveraging data and performance management to create lasting impact.

Mary Jacobs – Bio
Mary Jacobs Mary Jacobs Mary Jacobs is a Director at MGT, where she leads with a focus on strategic planning, organizational assessments, and succession planning. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in local government, she has served in various high-profile roles, including Town Manager of Oro Valley, Arizona, and Assistant City Manager of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Mary is renowned for her strategic advisory skills and her ability to develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies, foster community partnerships, and drive process improvement initiatives.

Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated a commitment to supporting women and young professionals in the field, earning her a reputation as a respected executive. She has a robust network of professional connections across the U.S. and internationally, bolstered by her involvement with the International City/County Management Association and other professional organizations. Mary is also a trained facilitator and skilled communicator, adept at leading both government and non-profit organizations in developing strategic plans and organizational strategies.

Mary is a trained facilitator, excellent communicator, and skilled at leading both government and non-profit organizations in developing short- and long-term strategic plans, organizational strategies, and financial and capital plans.

Madalaine McConville – Bio
Madalaine McConville Madalaine McConville serves as Management Assistant II+ in the City of Tempe's Economic Development Office, where she oversees the department's budget and contracts, while also supporting the various economic development initiatives. Previously, Madalaine served as Tempe's Marvin Andrews Fellow and worked with the City Council as a Council Aide. Her passion for public service was inspired by her grandmother, the first female village president, who left a lasting impact on her community. Madalaine holds a Master of Public Policy from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Social Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. In recognition of her dedication to local government, she received the ICMA Early Career Service Certificate in May 2023.



Susan Thorpe – Bio
Susan Thorpe 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.



Rising Stars: Applied Skills for Tackling Impactful Projects
10:05 - 11:00 AM


Craving to learn new skills but don’t know where to start? Join us for a discussion featuring three emerging professionals from San Luis, Tempe, and Phoenix as they each share insights on a high-level, multi-department project that strengthened their critical skills including delegation, public outreach, project management, communication, and more.

Speakers:
Armando Esparza MPP, Economic Development & Government Affairs Director, San Luis
Madalaine McConville MPP, Management Assistant II, Economic Development, Tempe
Nickolas Valenzuela MPA, Special Projects Administrator, Phoenix

Armando Esparza – Bio
Armando Esparza Armando Esparza serves as the Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs for the City of San Luis, where he spearheads programs and policies in economic development, grant administration, and business development. His role includes collaborating with various government agencies and officials, at state, regional, and local levels, to foster economic growth. Previously at the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Small Business Development Center, Mr. Esparza demonstrated an aptitude for driving business growth, managing diverse client portfolios, and producing impactful marketing strategies. His academic credentials from Arizona State University, coupled with active involvement in economic development associations like the AAED and ACMA, highlight his commitment to fostering economic prosperity and business acumen across diverse communities.


Madalaine McConville – Bio
Madalaine McConville Madalaine McConville serves as Management Assistant II+ in the City of Tempe's Economic Development Office, where she oversees the department's budget and contracts, while also supporting the various economic development initiatives. Previously, Madalaine served as Tempe's Marvin Andrews Fellow and worked with the City Council as a Council Aide. Her passion for public service was inspired by her grandmother, the first female village president, who left a lasting impact on her community. Madalaine holds a Master of Public Policy from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Social Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. In recognition of her dedication to local government, she received the ICMA Early Career Service Certificate in May 2023.



Nickolas Valenzuela – Bio
Nickolas Valenzuela Nickolas Valenzuela is a dedicated public servant with a strong family background in public service. He graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a bachelor's in political science and a master’s in public administration. Nick began his career at ASU working in Financial Aid and Scholarship Services before joining the City of Phoenix, where he has spent the last nine years contributing to various departments and roles. Starting as a Management Intern, he has worked in the Water Services Department, served as a Public Information Officer for the City Council, and advanced to Management Assistant II in the Communications and City Manager’s offices. Currently, Nick serves as a Special Projects Administrator in the City Manager’s Office, where he manages the City’s Community Safety Plans. Nick lives in Phoenix with his partner Lupe, their one-year-old son Elias, and their dog Titus.





Break
11:05 - 11:15 AM


In a League of Their Own
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM


Join an engaging panel discussion with dynamic city and county managers. Explore the panel member’s personal and professional experiences and strategies that have led to their successful careers. Be empowered with firsthand knowledge and insights about the city/county management profession.

Speakers:
Caleb Blaschke, Town Manager, Wilcox
Jan Lesher, County Administrator, Pima County
Liz Morales, Assistant City Manager, Tucson
Ginger Spencer, Deputy City Manager, Phoenix

Caleb Blaschke – Bio
Caleb Blaschke Caleb Blaschke began working as the City Manager for Willcox in 2018. During his tenure, he has achieved significant milestones such as securing over $14 million in grants, launching a 5311 dial-a-ride transit initiative, fostering a prosperous environment for business growth and attraction, revitalizing parks with upgraded facilities including a splash pad and pool, establishing a marketing, tourism, and economic development division, completing a $16 million upgrade to the waste water treatment facility, obtaining a public safety pension bond that reduces debt expenses by over $80,000 per year, transitioning the local dispatch to a regional center saving $200,000 annually, mapping and documenting the municipal gas, water, and sewer infrastructure, collaborating with Cochise County for shared services in building, planning, and animal control, instituting a cost recovery program for extramural emergency responses, and tripling the budget for street maintenance.

Before his role in Willcox, Caleb worked as the Assistant to the City Manager in Flagstaff, where he managed relationships with governments, tribal communities, upheld the city’s minimum wage law, and fostered partnerships with Northern Arizona University through the city’s town and gown program. In Bakersfield, as a Management Analyst, he focused on special projects and code compliance, served as ADA Coordinator, and facilitated partnerships with the Downtown Association and the Mayors “Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee” that enhanced city aesthetics. His earlier experiences include internships at the City of Sierra Vista and the Town of Marana.

Caleb’s educational background includes degrees from Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Arizona.

Jan Lesher – Bio
Jan Lesher Jan Lesher started working for Pima County in 2010, advancing to serve as Deputy County Administrator, Chief Deputy County Administrator and Acting County Administrator prior to her appointment as the first female Pima County Administrator in April 2022. In that role, Lesher oversees a $2.1 billion budget that is comprised of 54 departments and over 7,000 employees.

Lesher returned to her hometown in 2010 after serving former Governor and Secretary Janet Napolitano since January 2003. Lesher served Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano as Chief of Staff, overseeing the daily activities of Agency’s 230,000 employees and $52 billion budget.

Immediately prior to her move with the Secretary to Washington, DC, Lesher was the Governor’s Chief of Staff. Prior to being named to that position, Lesher served as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce.

Born, raised and educated in Tucson, her professional experience is extensive and her history of community involvement is impressive, including service as a member of the Board of Directors of Arizona Town Hall; the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona; the University of Arizona College of Social & Behavioral Science; the Community Food Bank; and La Frontera. She was named a Woman of Influence by Inside Tucson Business and recognized with the Women Who Lead award from the University of Arizona Women’s Studies Advisory Council in 2004. She was honored as the Metropolitan Tucson Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2005. In 2008 she was the Arizona Capitol Times Leader of the Year in Public Policy and received the YWCA Business Leadership Award. Selected in 2021 by BizTucson as a Woman Leading the Region, she was also named one of the Women Achievers in Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times in 2022.

Liz Morales– Bio
Liz Morales Liz Morales, Assistant City Manager with the City of Tucson, has oversight of public works departments which include: Department of Transportation and Mobility, Environmental and General Services, Housing and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development Services and Tucson Water. She has a long career working on housing and homeless policy and programs for over 27 years. Her roles include over 8 years as the Director of Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) for the City of Tucson and City of Mesa, served as Housing Choice Voucher Manager for the City of Phoenix Housing Department and Housing Administrator with Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation (ABC).

Liz’s volunteer service includes serving on the Board of Directors for Arizona Housing Coalition, Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation and Arizona Forward. Liz has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Counseling. Liz boasts of her family, which includes her husband Mark, with over 35 years of marriage, two adult children and two granddaughters.

Ginger Spencer – Bio
Ginger Spencer Ginger Spencere 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.

During her 23 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. She serves on the board of directors for Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation, Arizona Science Center and the Arizona City/County Management Association. 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.


Lunch and Award Presentation
12 - 12:55 PM


Speed Coaching
1:00 – 1:45 PM


Do you have questions about your career path or would like some career guidance? If the answer is YES, here’s your chance to meet one-on-one with experienced coaches in the local government profession. Coaches are able to share insights and experiences from their life's work that may help you navigate your own career path. To help you get the most out of these lively, fast-paced opportunities, come prepared with your questions, be open to expanding your network and developing professional connections.

Integrity in Action: Navigating Personal and Political Relationships
1:50 – 2:55 PM


Navigating the complex landscape of local government requires more than just policy knowledge—it demands a keen understanding of ethical conduct and political acumen. This panel will explore real-world scenarios where rising leaders face tough choices and offer insights on how to balance integrity with strategic thinking. Join us to learn how to make principled decisions while mastering the art of political savvy, so you can lead with integrity.

Speakers:
Kelsey Lamphier, Director of Arts, Culture, and Libraries, Surprise
Torin Sadow, CMO Senior Management Analyst, Avondale
Karl Shaddock, Managment Analyst, Oro Valley

Kelsey Lamphier – Bio
Kelsey Lamphier Kelsey Lamphier is the Arts, Culture and Library Director for the City of Surprise, where she spearheads initiatives to enrich the community through vibrant programs and accessible services. In this role, she encountered one of the most dynamic projects of her career – developing, managing and leading a brand new city department. With over a decade of experience in local government throughout different cities, departments and responsibilities, Kelsey brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to public service to her role.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Public Policy from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning and Development from Ball State University. Kelsey is an ASU Certified Public Manager and has recently completed the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy. Her educational background equips her with a strong foundation in strategic governance, public policy and innovation, enhancing her ability to effectively lead and implement impactful projects and initiatives.

Kelsey is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that celebrates the community and supports future growth, opportunities and successes. Her career reflects a passionate commitment to serving the community, and she continues to drive initiatives that enrich the lives of Surprise residents and visitors.

Torin Sadow – Bio
Torin Sadow Torin Sadow serves as the Business Operations and Strategy Manager in Avondale’s Development Services Department where he manages the City’s development process’ revenues, performance, efficiency, and plan review timelines; conducts long-range strategic planning; administers the City’s permitting, plan review, and inspections software; and oversees the administration division. Prior to this role, Torin served as Senior Management Analyst in Avondale’s City Manager’s Office overseeing the administration division and City Council Office. His career in local government spans eight years across four Arizona municipalities including Avondale, Queen Creek, Casa Grande, and Bisbee. Torin’s passion for public service is deep seated, as he began his professional career as an elementary teacher and baseball coach prior to graduating with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Urban Planning and Sustainability from ASU in 2016, and with his Master’s Degree in Public Administration through ASU’s Marvin Andrews Fellowship in 2018. Torin is an Arizona native, lives in Gilbert with his wife Merecedes and their 18-month old daughter, is a trained barista and mixologist, loves travelling the world, and is an avid hiker.

Karl Shaddock – Bio
Karl Shaddock Karl Shaddock currently serves as Assistant to the Town Manager for the Town of Oro Valley, Arizona, where he provides strategic and administrative support across multiple departments, including Finance, Human Resources, and Innovation & Technology. With a background in data analysis, policy development, and public administration, Karl is deeply involved in research, process improvement, and reporting for senior management and the Town Council.

Throughout his career, Karl has focused on fostering connections between communities and local institutions. His work emphasizes building local capacity by identifying and amplifying a community's strengths to address its challenges. Drawing on expertise in community organizing, economic development, and public policy, Karl seeks to answer critical questions of community identity, such as, "Why live, work, and raise a family here?" His approach centers on using local resources and strengths to create sustainable, community-driven solutions.


Break
3 – 3:10 PM


Things YOU SHOULD KNOW About Working for a City/Town or County, but They Didn’t Teach You in School
3:15 – 4:10 PM | Grand Ballroom


This training session is designed to help recent graduates and aspiring municipal employees bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills needed for public service. We will cover lesser-known hard skills that would benefit you and what skills hiring managers look for. We’ll also cover skills that are valuable as a municipal employee that aren’t commonly thought of. We hope to give you practical knowledge preparing you to be successful in your new or growing careers. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to navigate and excel in the unique environment of public service.

Speakers:
Armando Esparza, Economic Development and Government Affairs Director, San Luis
Tim Suan, Deputy Town Manager, Wickenburg

Armando Esparza – Bio
Armando Esparza Armando Esparza serves as the Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs for the City of San Luis, where he spearheads programs and policies in economic development, grant administration, and business development. His role includes collaborating with various government agencies and officials, at state, regional, and local levels, to foster economic growth. Previously at the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Small Business Development Center, Mr. Esparza demonstrated an aptitude for driving business growth, managing diverse client portfolios, and producing impactful marketing strategies. His academic credentials from Arizona State University, coupled with active involvement in economic development associations like the AAED and ACMA, highlight his commitment to fostering economic prosperity and business acumen across diverse communities.


Tim Suan– Bio
Tim Suan ince 2021, Tim Suan has been the Deputy Town Manager for Wickenburg, overseeing Community and Economic Development, IT, Public Outreach, Recreation, Library, and Special Events. He also acts as Town Manager when needed among other duties. Tim previously led Community & Economic Development for the City of Page and the Town of Gila Bend. He also gained valuable experience in interim leadership roles for Public Works, Water & Wastewater, and Airport Departments through his career. Tim is actively involved in regional leadership, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Leadership West and the Arizona Association for Economic Development. He holds a Bachelor's in Political Science from Arizona State University, a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, and is an Air Force Veteran.



Conference Adjourns
4:15 PM


Post Networking Event
4:30 - 6 PM


Miss Saigon – Downtown Tucson
88 E. Broadway Blvd #120
Tucson, AZ 85701
Located on the first floor of the TEP building