At their Study Session meeting on April 22, City Council approved appointments to the Mesa Education and Workforce Development Roundtable. The resolution (passed on April 5) established a centralized body to streamline and coordinate efforts to advance Mesa’s education and workforce development goals. Appointees include experts in education, business leaders, nonprofit organizations and Mesa residents.
The Roundtable will be a standing advisory body similar to other City boards and commissions and will report to Mesa City Council with recommendations to advance education and workforce development goals, including but not limited to: increasing and maintaining enrollment in education and early learning programs; improving completion rates of education, vocational, and trade programs; achieving higher educational attainment, including increased attainment of professional certifications and licenses and postsecondary degrees; expanding job opportunities and new resources to upskill workers; and building successful careers, a competitive workforce, and a strong local economy.
The following representatives have been named to the inaugural Roundtable. Standing appointments are ongoing and based on position while community and business members are appointed to three-year terms. Meetings will be held quarterly or as needed beginning spring 2021.
Standing Positions:
Dr. Lori Berquam, Interim President, Mesa Community College
Dr. Perry Berry, Superintendent, Queen Creek Unified School District
Kevin Broeckling, Chief Executive Officer, Benedictine University at Mesa
Dr. Dawn Foley, Incoming Superintendent, Higley Unified School District
Dr. Andi Fourlis, Superintendent, of Mesa Public Schools
Sally Harrison, President and CEO, Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Shane McCord, Superintendent, Gilbert Public Schools.
John Schmitt, Assistant Vice President of Educational Outreach & Student Services, Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus
Dr. Chad Wilson, Superintendent, East Valley Institute of Technology
Education and Business Community Appointees:
Toni Morales Broberg, President of Arizona & New Mexico External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T
David DiDomenico, Teacher and Coach, Mesa High School
Francisco Heredia, Mesa City Councilmember, District 3
Katie Lohec, Government and Community Affairs Manager, Apple, Inc.
Rich Nickel, President and CEO, College Success Arizona
Dr. Joe O’Reilly, Member, Mesa Public Schools Governing Board
Julie Spilsbury, Mesa City Councilmember, District 2
Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President of Arizona Community Engagement, Helios Education Foundation
