Mesa City Manager Chris Brady has received the Gabe Zimmerman Award as the Community Builder Honoree (Large City/Town) from the Center of the Future of Arizona (CFA). The award, created in spring 2011, recognizes non-elected public servants contributing to their communities and civic life, and collectively shaping the future of Arizona. The award was presented at the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) summer conference in Tucson.
"The City of Mesa is extremely fortunate to have a man like Chris Brady as City Manager," Mayor John Giles said. "He has been our leader through tough times and good times and done it all with an exceptional level of professionalism and skill. There is no one more deserving of this award than Chris."
"I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Brady for nearly eight years. I am grateful for his steady and consistent leadership that he has shown to guide the City of Mesa forward," District 4 Councilmember Chris Glover said. "He is most deserving of this recognition and honor." Councilmember Glover nominated Brady for the award.
As City Manager, Brady oversees nearly 4,000 employees. During his time at the City, he has also led the successful completion of numerous major projects, including the Apple Global Command Center, extension of light rail service through Mesa and the Spring Training facilities for the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland A's.
"I am humbled and honored to be recognized by a group dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for Arizona residents. This award is a reflection of the innovative ways Mesa works to provide programs and services to our community," City Manager Chris Brady said. "I'm especially thankful for a great team who has worked for and deserve to share this award as well."
Brady has worked more than 29 years in local government. He has been Mesa's City Manager since January 2006. Prior to that, he served as Assistant City Manager in San Antonio and Bellaire, Texas, as well as financial management positions for Houston and worked in the Mayor's Office in Provo, Utah.
The award is named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, who lost his life in January 2011, while serving the citizens of Arizona as Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' community outreach director. It recognizes honorees in three categories - Community Builder, Emerging Leader and Civic Leader - who exemplify the impact dedicated and talented people have in connecting communities and engaging citizens.
The CFA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that combines research with collaborative partnerships and initiatives that drive the state's economic prosperity, quality of life and civic health and creates a better future for all Arizonans.
This is the second award Brady has received with the City of Mesa. In 2014, he received the John J. DeBolske award for Professional Excellence from the ACMA.
Public Information and Communications
Contact: Steven Wright
Tel. 480-644-2069
steven.wright@mesaaz.gov
About City of Mesa
The City of Mesa's estimated population is nearly 500,000 within an incorporated area of approximately 133 square miles. Total land area encompasses 182 square miles. The City ranks as the 36th most populous city in the United States, larger than the cities of Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh. Mesa is a favorite destination to thousands of visitors with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees. The area's economy is driven by four major industries healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism. Mesa is home to two award-winning airports, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Falcon Field Airport. For more information about the City of Mesa go to www.mesaaz.gov.