MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
Mesa Vice Mayor Scott Somers and Fire and Medical Department Chief Mary Cameli have been selected as two of America's 250 Public Service Champions, an initiative honoring outstanding local government leaders as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The National Academy of Public Administration and LocalGov250 announced the honorees on Monday, March 16. Each was nominated by a peer in public administration and chosen from hundreds of submissions representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C. LocalGov250 was formed to elevate local government's role in the semiquincentennial - recognizing cities, counties and towns as centers of democracy and civic engagement.
Somers represents District 6 in southeast Mesa and is serving his third term on the City Council, having previously served two terms from 2006 to 2015. He currently chairs Mesa's America 250 committee and the council's Public Safety committee, and is active on a number of local, state and national boards.
"It's an honor to be named one of America's 250 Public Service Champions," Somers said. "Service to others is what has kept America strong for 250 years, and it has been the defining thread of my professional life - from serving in the Air Force, to a career in the fire service, to nearly 12 years on the Mesa City Council and now helping lead Mesa's America250 efforts. Throughout each chapter, I have seen that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built and sustained by people who choose to serve something greater than themselves."
Cameli joined the Mesa Fire and Medical Department in 1983 as one of the first women hired by the department. She rose through every rank before becoming Chief in 2016. Under her leadership, the department expanded its medical and social services programs and advanced nationally recognized accreditation standards. She serves as chair of the International Fire Service Training Association Board, board member of the International Center for Public Safety Excellence and is past president of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.
"Being named one of America's 250 Public Service Champions is a tremendous honor, and I'm grateful to be recognized alongside so many dedicated public servants who work every day to strengthen our communities," Cameli said. "I've been fortunate to spend my career in a profession built on service, trust and teamwork. This recognition reflects the extraordinary people of Mesa Fire & Medical who answer the call every day with skill, compassion and an unwavering commitment to this community."
The 250 Champions will be honored at an event preceding the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) National Conference in Philadelphia on May 12. More information is available at localgov250.org.