Shea Joachim has been selected as the assistant town manager for the Town of Queen Creek, effective June 5.
Joachim was chosen following an extensive national search to fill the role after Bruce Gardner, the previous assistant town manager, was named town manager in November 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shea Joachim to the Queen Creek community,” said Mayor Julia Wheatley. “As a young, growing town, this position is so important as it oversees our development-related departments. We are excited to have Shea’s expertise in these various areas as we continue to ensure a high quality of life, promote a strong sense of community, protect our residents and provide world-case public service.”
Joachim has worked as the business and economic development director for the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Association (PMGAA) since 2016, where he secured master development agreements for nearly 700 acres of aeronautical and non-aeronautical airport land and recruited new tenants including Gulfstream, Virgin Galactic and Boeing. Prior to his role at PMGAA, he worked with the Town Manager's Office for the City of Mesa on special projects.
"I am pleased to welcome Shea to the Queen Creek team,” said Queen Creek Town Manager Bruce Gardner. “Not only will Shea provide leadership to several departments, he will also assist me with day-to-day organizational priorities. Shea’s background will help continue to move the town forward during this pivotal period of the town’s development, particularly related to infrastructure and business development."
Joachim has a Master of Business degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the Arizona Association for Economic Development and International Economic Development Council.
The assistant town manager is responsible for broad policy planning and management oversight, assisting the town manager with all phases of government, including participation in the strategic planning and budgeting, facilitating the development and implementation of policy proposals, leading leadership teams and representing the town in variety of capacities. The role also oversees the town’s Capital Improvements, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and Utilities departments.
“As a longtime resident of the East Valley, I’m amazed by the growth in Queen Creek over the last two decades and the incredible possibilities Queen Creek has on the horizon,” said Joachim. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the exceptional team at the Town of Queen Creek and I’m looking forward to serving the residents of Queen Creek.”
