Local Spotlight: Rosa Inchausti, City Manager, Tempe and AZ WLG Board Member
AZ WLG Board member, Dr. Annette Padilla, sat down to interview Rosa Inchausti, who is the City Manager for Tempe.
Annette (A) Can you introduce yourself and share your career path at Tempe, leading to the City Manager (CM) role? Rosa (R) After receiving my psychology degree from Loyola Marymount University in California, I came to Arizona to attend Northern Arizona University where I received my master’s in counseling. I worked as an intern in the East Valley at Banner Health where I fell in love with Tempe and the services offered, so I decided to stay and continue my career in the city. I started with Tempe 31 years ago as the first Bi-lingual Marriage and Family Therapist. I then became a supervisor over Counseling Services, then led Diversion Services, working with city prosecutors. In 2002 I was promoted to the position of the first Diversity Director in the City. While in that position our office created inclusive policies for both the workforce and community. In that role we built trust with our residents and our community, which was very important. In 2016, I was promoted to Strategic Management and Diversity Director. That role gave me context for working in operations with all of the city departments, specifically learning more about Tempe Fire response times, Police crime data, Public Works pavement quality, Community Development, and Library services. During that time, I also concurrently served as the Interim Municipal Utilities Director, gaining knowledge about water and solid waste services. I later became Deputy City Manager (DCM), then Chief DCM, and in June 2023 I was promoted to City Manager. |
A: How did your work in social work serve as the foundation for your leadership role?
R: Fundamentally I gained the knowledge and importance of listening to people, understanding others, and communication skills. In graduate school we learned targeting problems versus symptoms. This led to the effective problem- solving skills I now use to address resident issues, new policy initiatives, and working with our City Council to improve services. The community work we have done in Tempe to define problems and measure success in quality of life was built on what I learned in school, so we have been able to spend time/resources on solving problems. The first thing I did as city manager was to hold a public “Meet-and-Greet” with our community. We had all the City Directors there, so our community could meet them, ask questions, and make a connection with our city leaders
Additionally, we distributed a hand-out that included photos and contact information of each city Department Director so that the residents and businesses can know who they can contact when a question or issue arises. This information is also posted on the City Manager’s page on our website. I believe in building relationships with our community members, and I expect all the city leaders to be accessible to our residents.
R: Fundamentally I gained the knowledge and importance of listening to people, understanding others, and communication skills. In graduate school we learned targeting problems versus symptoms. This led to the effective problem- solving skills I now use to address resident issues, new policy initiatives, and working with our City Council to improve services. The community work we have done in Tempe to define problems and measure success in quality of life was built on what I learned in school, so we have been able to spend time/resources on solving problems. The first thing I did as city manager was to hold a public “Meet-and-Greet” with our community. We had all the City Directors there, so our community could meet them, ask questions, and make a connection with our city leaders
Additionally, we distributed a hand-out that included photos and contact information of each city Department Director so that the residents and businesses can know who they can contact when a question or issue arises. This information is also posted on the City Manager’s page on our website. I believe in building relationships with our community members, and I expect all the city leaders to be accessible to our residents.
A: What are the education and skill sets you find most helpful to the daily operations with departments and working with elected officials?
R: My ability to focus on outcomes and planning, as well as provide psychological safety to the executive team is some of the training in emotional intelligence I use as a manager. Also, succession planning with a focus on skill transfer for the future leaders of Tempe. I want to make sure people feel comfortable. For example, I listen and use appropriate language to ensure that people know I care. I also let them know that there are options, that even when we cannot do what someone would like, they are comfortable in the process. Much of this management philosophy is based on communication, customer service, and knowing that words matter and actions even more.
A: What professional and personal organizations are you a member of?
R: I attend meetings with 6 external community groups: The Tempe Chamber of Commerce (TCC), the Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA), the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), the Tempe Conventions and Visitors Bureau (TCVB), Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), and Valley Metro to represent the city. The AZ WLG would be of interest to me also.
A: What contribution do you see women making in Arizona Local Government?
R: The strength we have as a state depends on the diversity of the cities and towns. This has also been shown to be true with women in public sector leadership. Diversity in leadership is related to economic development. Staff diversity has a positive correlation to productivity, decision making, and financial success (ICMA, 2023). Bringing together leadership from different backgrounds creates greater outcomes. When women are at the table, you can make a business case to measure diversity because of the different skill sets in women leaders such as emotional intelligence, adapting to situations, resiliency, survival tactics, communication, and negotiation.
A: How do you balance work/life?
R: I had a father with a heart condition who passed away early in life, so I take my health seriously with healthy eating and exercise. I also fill my cup with my two daughters, who are now 30 and 27. I am a grandma (abuela) now and family is important, as is the case for most Latinas. I am surrounded by great people in both my professional and personal life.
A: What career advice do you have for women who may want to seek a management/executive role?
R: Get involved in everything, pay attention to doors that will open for you, listen to yourself and your intuition to see yourself in the role you want with happiness and fulfilment vs. a checklist. Slow down, pay attention, and trust that you are on the right path. Committees and networking are always great methods to advance your career, so learn to feel comfortable introducing yourself to local government leaders and offer to do extra work by volunteering or taking on projects. Your work will be proof of your skills and represent you professionally. Look around, explore, and do those things that interest you.
A: What or who best prepared you to be a leader in municipal management?
R: I have so many mentors. Mayor Woods is very passionate, visible, and present in Tempe. Tom Duensing, Chief Deputy CM has been instrumental with Tempe Finances as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The people who challenged me and were naysayers gave me more inspiration as do those who argue process. I realize that not all people are comfortable with someone like me in this management role. This has made me much more determined and really answers the “why” for doing the work. Also, the diversity of the City Council reflects the values of the community, which is one of the most representative of ethnic backgrounds, cultural heritage, and affinity groups in the Arizona Valley.
R: My ability to focus on outcomes and planning, as well as provide psychological safety to the executive team is some of the training in emotional intelligence I use as a manager. Also, succession planning with a focus on skill transfer for the future leaders of Tempe. I want to make sure people feel comfortable. For example, I listen and use appropriate language to ensure that people know I care. I also let them know that there are options, that even when we cannot do what someone would like, they are comfortable in the process. Much of this management philosophy is based on communication, customer service, and knowing that words matter and actions even more.
A: What professional and personal organizations are you a member of?
R: I attend meetings with 6 external community groups: The Tempe Chamber of Commerce (TCC), the Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA), the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), the Tempe Conventions and Visitors Bureau (TCVB), Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), and Valley Metro to represent the city. The AZ WLG would be of interest to me also.
A: What contribution do you see women making in Arizona Local Government?
R: The strength we have as a state depends on the diversity of the cities and towns. This has also been shown to be true with women in public sector leadership. Diversity in leadership is related to economic development. Staff diversity has a positive correlation to productivity, decision making, and financial success (ICMA, 2023). Bringing together leadership from different backgrounds creates greater outcomes. When women are at the table, you can make a business case to measure diversity because of the different skill sets in women leaders such as emotional intelligence, adapting to situations, resiliency, survival tactics, communication, and negotiation.
A: How do you balance work/life?
R: I had a father with a heart condition who passed away early in life, so I take my health seriously with healthy eating and exercise. I also fill my cup with my two daughters, who are now 30 and 27. I am a grandma (abuela) now and family is important, as is the case for most Latinas. I am surrounded by great people in both my professional and personal life.
A: What career advice do you have for women who may want to seek a management/executive role?
R: Get involved in everything, pay attention to doors that will open for you, listen to yourself and your intuition to see yourself in the role you want with happiness and fulfilment vs. a checklist. Slow down, pay attention, and trust that you are on the right path. Committees and networking are always great methods to advance your career, so learn to feel comfortable introducing yourself to local government leaders and offer to do extra work by volunteering or taking on projects. Your work will be proof of your skills and represent you professionally. Look around, explore, and do those things that interest you.
A: What or who best prepared you to be a leader in municipal management?
R: I have so many mentors. Mayor Woods is very passionate, visible, and present in Tempe. Tom Duensing, Chief Deputy CM has been instrumental with Tempe Finances as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The people who challenged me and were naysayers gave me more inspiration as do those who argue process. I realize that not all people are comfortable with someone like me in this management role. This has made me much more determined and really answers the “why” for doing the work. Also, the diversity of the City Council reflects the values of the community, which is one of the most representative of ethnic backgrounds, cultural heritage, and affinity groups in the Arizona Valley.
A: How have you adjusted to your new role in Tempe? What changes did you make, if any?
R: Anyone who steps in to the top seat brings new skill sets and makes it theirs. Some of my contributions include strategic planning and organizational alignment. For example, the alley inspectors who were in Public Works were reassigned to our Community Development Department, and now our Code Compliance staff work collaboratively with the alley inspectors because we streamlined the process. A second example was an aligned merger with Public Works, Water, and Engineering to get through projects quicker and offer better services. In this process, it was important to discuss who needs to be at the table. We’ve created a Real TimeOperations Center, addressed our pavement quality index, increased the hours of the 311 Operations Center, and moved the Neighborhood Services Office to the City Manager’s Office. I had an interim plan that I presented to |
our City Council upon being appointed City Manager, and after one year we have achieved, or are on the path to achieving, all the outlined goals. I have a great support system at home, and I work closely with Mayor Woods and Council.
A: How does ASU provide value to The City of Tempe?
R: ASU serves Tempe as a partner with projects and is considering developing a Think Tank for us. For example, ASU helped us with our residue from sludge so that it can be hauled away for repurposing. The University is also key for workforce development as Tempe is a college town. Meetings are held with President Michael Crow of ASU and Exec. VP, Treasurer, and CFO Morgan Olsen.
A: How does ASU provide value to The City of Tempe?
R: ASU serves Tempe as a partner with projects and is considering developing a Think Tank for us. For example, ASU helped us with our residue from sludge so that it can be hauled away for repurposing. The University is also key for workforce development as Tempe is a college town. Meetings are held with President Michael Crow of ASU and Exec. VP, Treasurer, and CFO Morgan Olsen.
A: What keeps you motivated?
R: Moments when you see the teams coming together. I have a wonderful executive team and department directors (see photo of Rosa, Darrell Duty, Interim Fire Chief and Tempe Clerk Kara DeArrastia, and Mayor’s Fellow Martin Moreno during Clerk’s Week). I look around the room at our bi-weekly director meetings and I know that these wonderful, dedicated staff are really making a difference in our community. My parents were Cuban immigrants; I only met my grandma once, and never saw cousins growing up because of politics. I learned how government impacts families and that local government has an opportunity to create an imprint on youth. I look to the future and what areas need a fresh perspective, what boards I could contribute to after my 31 years with Tempe.
A: Favorite career accomplishment?
R: The homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count in Tempe has shown decreases due to our initiatives and strategies to address this issue. I’ve found over the years that at the retirement parties I have attended, retirees do not discuss any ordinances written or Triple A bond rating; people talk about who you are, community impact, and meaningful relationships.
The communism in Cuba impacted my family, so we felt the need to create community and family in US. I chose an organization to work at to build a good life with honest working people. Tempe is one of 5 cities in the world to achieve a Platinum Bloomberg Philanthropies “What Works” Cities status for our diversity initiatives. People can see women in these roles so that we can continue to break glass ceilings and progress financially and in society.
A: Fun question: favorite type of food? Music genre? Place to shop?
R: I really like Cuban food that I cook myself such as roast pork, yucca, black beans, and rice. My music choices are everything-R&B to hip hop to salsa and fusion. I shop at a variety of places, from online to Nordstrom to Target. I like traditional /classic lines in clothing.
A: Anything else?
R: I want to stress the importance of taking time for yourself, being present, and mental health. For depression, just check in with people, have fun with the work, and find joy and celebrate the ride and humor. We must support each other and celebrate others’ success.
AZ WLG Board would like to thank Rosa for her work as top executive in one of the largest cities in Arizona and a true example of a woman leading government. Appreciation to Ginny Belousek, Special Assistant, for her time, follow-up, and photos.
Dr. Annette Padilla is an AZ Women Leading Government Board Member, Federal Grant Reviewer, and Teacher for Mesa & Gilbert Public Schools.
R: Moments when you see the teams coming together. I have a wonderful executive team and department directors (see photo of Rosa, Darrell Duty, Interim Fire Chief and Tempe Clerk Kara DeArrastia, and Mayor’s Fellow Martin Moreno during Clerk’s Week). I look around the room at our bi-weekly director meetings and I know that these wonderful, dedicated staff are really making a difference in our community. My parents were Cuban immigrants; I only met my grandma once, and never saw cousins growing up because of politics. I learned how government impacts families and that local government has an opportunity to create an imprint on youth. I look to the future and what areas need a fresh perspective, what boards I could contribute to after my 31 years with Tempe.
A: Favorite career accomplishment?
R: The homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count in Tempe has shown decreases due to our initiatives and strategies to address this issue. I’ve found over the years that at the retirement parties I have attended, retirees do not discuss any ordinances written or Triple A bond rating; people talk about who you are, community impact, and meaningful relationships.
The communism in Cuba impacted my family, so we felt the need to create community and family in US. I chose an organization to work at to build a good life with honest working people. Tempe is one of 5 cities in the world to achieve a Platinum Bloomberg Philanthropies “What Works” Cities status for our diversity initiatives. People can see women in these roles so that we can continue to break glass ceilings and progress financially and in society.
A: Fun question: favorite type of food? Music genre? Place to shop?
R: I really like Cuban food that I cook myself such as roast pork, yucca, black beans, and rice. My music choices are everything-R&B to hip hop to salsa and fusion. I shop at a variety of places, from online to Nordstrom to Target. I like traditional /classic lines in clothing.
A: Anything else?
R: I want to stress the importance of taking time for yourself, being present, and mental health. For depression, just check in with people, have fun with the work, and find joy and celebrate the ride and humor. We must support each other and celebrate others’ success.
AZ WLG Board would like to thank Rosa for her work as top executive in one of the largest cities in Arizona and a true example of a woman leading government. Appreciation to Ginny Belousek, Special Assistant, for her time, follow-up, and photos.
Dr. Annette Padilla is an AZ Women Leading Government Board Member, Federal Grant Reviewer, and Teacher for Mesa & Gilbert Public Schools.