City of Mesa Appoints Andrea Alicoate as Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department Director

July 29, 2026 at 2:15 pm

The City of Mesa has appointed Andrea Alicoate as Director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department. Alicoate has served as the department's Interim Director since December 2025, providing steady leadership through the department's busiest season, and now transitions into the role permanently.

"Andrea's leadership, collaborative approach and deep understanding of our organization made her the clear choice to lead this department into its next chapter," said Mesa City Manager Scott Butler. "During her 17 years with the City, Andrea has earned the trust of colleagues and the community through her commitment to public service. Our parks and public spaces are among Mesa's greatest assets, and I know she will build on that strong foundation to keep them welcoming, safe and vibrant for people of all ages."

Alicoate began her career with the City of Mesa answering phones for Animal Control, a starting point she credits with shaping her hands-on approach to public service. She advanced through leadership roles in Community Services before moving into the City Manager's Office, where she has spent the past five years leading citywide policy and strategic initiatives. Her work has contributed to major organizational milestones, including Mesa's designation as a 2023 All-America City and efforts to expand access to early childhood readiness and lifelong learning programs.

"I am honored to officially join the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities team," said Alicoate. "Our employees are the heart of the department, creating the parks, programs and gathering places that bring people together every day. I look forward to supporting their incredible work as we continue enhancing the spaces and experiences that make Mesa such a special place to live, play, connect and truly feel at home."

As Director, Alicoate will lead one of Arizona's largest municipal parks and recreation systems, serving millions of residents and visitors each year through more than 200 parks and basins, aquatics centers, recreation programs, spring training facilities, the Mesa Convention Center, Mesa Amphitheatre and other community venues. She will also guide implementation of projects funded through Mesa's 2024 voter-approved General Obligation Bond Program while advancing the department's long-range Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

An Arizona native, Alicoate holds a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and completed an executive education program at Yale University.