Chandler's Acting City Manager John Pombier has brought on a seasoned expert, Riann Balch, to take on the role of Neighborhood Resources Director, a move that is expected to further the city's efforts in addressing homelessness and promoting affordable housing. Balch, who carries over a quarter-century of municipal leadership under her belt, is stepping into this role with a substantial track record, according to the City of Chandler.
Since her arrival in Chandler in 2017, Balch has been at the helm of the Community Development and Resources Division within the Neighborhood Resources Department. In her former position, she was responsible for spearheading critical programs aimed at alleviating homelessness, and she efficiently managed funds allocated for affordable housing initiatives, and services designed for the community's most disadvantaged members, the City of Chandler announced.
"Riann has led transformative initiatives to create housing stability and expand social services to vulnerable residents in partnership with nonprofits," Pombier stated, according to the City of Chandler news release. He also emphasized her comprehensive experience in administering diverse funding programs, pioneering policy development, grant administration, and fostering regional collaboration, all of which will be pivotal in preserving neighborhoods and in the pursuit of future housing solutions.
Prior to her tenure with Chandler, Balch's career encompassed a significant 15 years at the City of Phoenix, where she showed commitment as the Deputy Human Services Director, handling federal grant programs focused on human services, transitional housing, and issues of homelessness. Additionally, her efforts as the executive director for the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness played a crucial part in her advocacy for affordable housing and in striving to eradicate homelessness across the state of Arizona, as detailed by the City of Chandler.
Balch's educational background is just as impressive, with a certified public manager credential from Arizona State University (ASU) that she secured in 2012. Furthermore, her academic journey at ASU also saw her earning a master's degree in social work in 1999, following a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northern Arizona University, which she attained in 1995. Aside from her professional duties, Balch maintains a commitment to community service, as indicated by her current role as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as per the City of Chandler.
