The City Council of Chandler has sealed the deal on having John Pombier at the helm as city manager until mid-2027. Coming into the role as an acting city manager this past July, Pombier has now secured his position after the council's nod of approval. In his acceptance, Pombier expressed his fondness for the community and its distinctive allure. "I’ve always admired the greatness of Chandler and these past few months have produced first-hand experiences demonstrating why our community is such a special place,” he stated, a sentiment captured by the city’s official news release.
Pombier is no newcomer to public service. His career, spanning over two decades, includes notable roles in various city and state offices. Before joining Chandler, Pombier had retired from a distinguished 19-year tenure with the City of Mesa, where his contributions peaked with 11 years as an assistant city manager and an earlier stint as the city prosecutor. His curriculum vitae also boasts a period at the Arizona Governor's Office and time spent directing efforts against family violence, as detailed by Chandler's news announcement.
The city manager is charged with the intricate task of supervising the city’s everyday operations and executing council-approved policies. This critical role is one of a quartet of positions—including the city attorney, city clerk, and presiding magistrate—filled directly by the City Council's appointment. Pombier, who holds a law degree from Arizona State University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, will be fully vested in this leadership role, shaping the trajectories of both Chandler's businesses and its diverse populace.
