After a two-month search, Maricopa County chose its own mayor.
Jen Pokorsky, now county assistant manager, will head county administration after county manager Joy Rich, who retired on April 7, resigned, officials confirmed Tuesday. In her new role, Pokorsky will be responsible for running her fourth-largest county in the United States, with about 13,000 employees and her $4.5 billion annual budget.
She has big shoes to fill. Rich is the county’s first female manager, and she has led the county through numerous headwinds, including the COVID-19 pandemic and controversy surrounding county elections.
She also implemented a new approach to hiring, recruiting and retaining employees by extending parental leave and encouraging competitive salaries. She oversaw a fast-growing county that faced new challenges, including a shortage of affordable housing.
Maricopa County Oversight Board Chairman Clint Hickman said he was confident Pokorski would be able to protect Rich’s legacy. He said he was a “great leader” in abundance.
“This is the third county manager I’ve worked with, and I expect her to aspire to be as good or better than her predecessor,” Hickman said. It’s everything you could wish for.”
Pokorsky said he was thrilled with the job and was “honored and humbled” to be selected.
“I’ve spent my entire life in the public sector, working in the non-profit sector and in government. I’m committed to making a difference,” Pokorsky said. I know it’s going to take some time, but I’m certainly ready for it.”
Who is Jen Pokorski?
Pokorski has spent the past two years working for Rich, overseeing various public works and regulatory departments. He holds a BS in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MS in Urban and Environmental Planning from Arizona State University.
Prior to moving to Arizona, he held various roles with the Wisconsin Humane Society. Since arriving in Phoenix, she says she has spent most of her career in the county, and in 2005 she began working as a planner for a flood control district.
After nearly a decade there, she moved to the county ombudsman’s office to help residents resolve their concerns with county departments. Pokorsky then became the head of planning and development for Maricopa County, playing the role of county assistant her manager.
“I was able to get a complete picture of how the county operated and I was able to really focus on what I enjoy, which is helping citizens navigate the government and help the government work for the citizens. ‘ she said.
First: Listening Tour
Pokorski said he wants to focus immediately on building connections with community members and staff.
In the weeks leading up to her transition to the county manager role and her first few days on the job, she plans to have conversations with county supervisors to better understand their priorities.
“I really respect our board of directors, so I am excited to continue working with them.
She also speaks with two assistant county managers, Valerie Beckett, who oversees public services such as parks and libraries and various other departments, and Lee Ann Vaughn, who oversees the county’s finance and public health departments. She said she also plans meetings and listening sessions with county department heads.
“Good government needs good people,” Pokorski said. “My role is to continue to develop and retain a diverse and highly skilled workforce.”
Sasha Hupka covers regional affairs for Maricopa County, Pinal County, and the Republic of Arizona. Any tips for county government?contact her sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.comFollow her on Twitter. @SashaHupka.
