Mesa City Manager Scott Butler has announced changes to the city’s executive leadership team, appointing three experienced professionals to strengthen municipal operations. Deputy City Manager Marc Heirshberg has been promoted to Assistant City Manager, while former Mesa Police Chief Kenneth Cost and Glendale Deputy City Manager Brent Stoddard will also take on roles as Assistant City Managers. According to MesaNow, the restructuring is part of Butler’s approach to addressing the increasing needs of Mesa’s developing community.
Butler views these appointments as a strategic step toward supporting Mesa’s long-term goals, bringing together a range of expertise to enhance the delivery of services to residents. He also acknowledged the ongoing contributions of Deputy City Managers Michael Kennington and Candace Cannistraro, noting their important roles in strategic planning and operational management. The leadership changes reflect the city's focus on maintaining effective governance to address evolving challenges and pursue future opportunities.
Kenneth Cost is set to return to Mesa in early September, following a competitive selection process, to assume his new role. He brings with him a 30-year career with the Mesa Police Department, during which he led initiatives that contributed to public safety and departmental improvements. As Police Chief from 2019 to 2025, Cost was noted for reducing vacancy rates and launching the SPARC Youth Sports Program. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s degree from Xavier University, and completion of the FBI National Academy for Police Executives.
Meanwhile, Brent Stoddard is slated to join the ranks next month. His tenure as Glendale's Deputy City Manager encompassed overseeing economic development and public affairs strategies that included communications and relations with both media and governmental bodies. His assignments also extended to supporting staffing for elected officials at the regional and national level, involving groups such as the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Heirshberg, who is assuming his new role immediately, has served the City of Mesa for more than 20 years. His previous leadership roles have included overseeing departments such as Water Resources and Parks and Recreation, the latter earning finalist recognition for the National Gold Medal Award under his direction. As reported by MesaNow, he holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration. Specific department assignments for the expanded executive team are expected to be announced later this summer.
