By Diana Whittle
Chandler’s new city manager, Marsha Reed, doesn’t need to wear rose-colored glasses to see that a positive future continues its ascent on the horizon.
In little more than 20 years, the once semi-rural community has been transformed into a magnet for sophisticated, high-tech industries and good-paying jobs that, in part, have attracted nearly 250,000 residents.
For Reed, Chandler is an emerging force in the Valley’s economic, cultural and social evolution—a transition she sees as not only a challenge but an opportunity.
Chandler officials confirmed Reed’s appointment as the new city manager only a few weeks ago, succeeding Rich Dlugas, who retired in June.
She’s been in the city’s executive suite since April 2013, when she was hired as assistant city manager and, in short order, stepped up to become acting city manager while the search was underway.
During her trial period as Chandler’s chief administrative officer, with responsibility for all city departments, Reed developed strong relationships with staff as well as the city’s elected officials.
“My experience before being appointed city manager allowed me to work with the mayor, council members and nearly every department, so I have knowledge about all aspects of the city organization,” said Reed.
“I believe the opportunity to establish those relationships is a huge benefit in this position.”
She appreciates the solid groundwork laid out before her, as Chandler is one of Arizona’s first master-planned communities.
In that plan is a focus on investing in high-quality infrastructure, building livable neighborhoods, and creating distinct employment corridors with a balance of diverse industries.
Reed says her goals are to maintain a safe, livable community and, as the city approaches build-out, to make wise decisions with the remaining parcels of developable land.
“Fortunately, the mayor and council members have a shared vision for Chandler and that is significant advantage for me—along with the fact that we don’t have council districts. This means that there’s no animosity or competitiveness for allocations, so all the elected officials can give their full attention to working together to serve the good of the whole community,” explained Reed.
“Also, our city staff is great; they work extremely well with each other and our residents to deliver high-quality services and to resolve issues,” said Reed.
Currently, a large priority is to rebuild the leadership team due to retirements and promotions.
“Chandler had the benefit of several long-time employees who were experts in their fields. With their departure, we are preparing employees and recruiting talent to take on leadership roles in the city. We look for people who embrace values that have made Chandler successful.”
Another enviable position for city leadership is the opportunity to guide a municipality that is fiscally sound.
“We are in great fiscal shape with an AAA bond rating, which brings stability to Chandler, attracts companies with quality jobs and enables businesses to grow.
“It also may allow the council to actually lower the property tax rate this year by two cents, which is a rare government occurrence,” said Reed.
According to statistics from Chandler, the city provides residents great value in the total costs of their municipal services. Only Gilbert is slightly lower when compared to other Valley cities for water, property and sales tax.
Chandler is in another unique financial position as it relates to upcoming fiscal obligations for the fiscally challenged Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
Each city is expected to contribute a specific percentage to its employees’ pensions, but there is a special assessment looming due to the financial constraints of this fund.
“Chandler is currently the only city I have heard of that actually has a plan to pay its portion,” explained Reed.
A Texas native, Reed shares some attributes with the city—she possessed great personal foresight when she chose her college major as engineering, determining she could use her skills in math to always make a living.
She earned a degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University and held engineering and transportation-planning positions at the Texas Department of Transportation for 10 years in the Lubbock District.
Then, she accepted a position at the city of Lubbock, where she remained for 20 years, eventually serving as chief operating officer. It was during her tenure there that her supervisor identified her as a having leadership potential.
Reed’s personal tenacity led her to earn a second degree from Texas Tech—a master’s degree in Public Administration in 2000.
Additional professional credentials include being a licensed professional engineer in Arizona and Texas and being a current member of the Arizona City Managers Association and the Maricopa Association of Governments Management Committee.
Throughout her rise to positions with greater responsibility—and indeed no less a time commitment—Reed also managed to balance her career with a successful home life.
She is married to Brad Reed, a project manager for Maricopa County. They have four children, three grown and out of college, one in junior high.
She has one grandchild and another on the way. Also counted among family members: two Boston terriers.
Reed says that living in Chandler for the past three years has given her access to the many activities she enjoys in her leisure time, including the community’s parks, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities.
“Chandler offers a great quality of life. I especially like the combination of recreation and mild climate. I also like being close to a number of hiking and destinations, which allows our family to enjoy the outdoors.”
