Staff Reports | Community Updates
Mesa City Manager Scott Butler is making significant changes to the executive leadership team at City Hall, which officials there say is strengthening the municipal organization with seasoned professionals.
The changes include the promotion of Deputy City Manager Marc Heirshberg to assistant city manager, and the appointments of former Mesa Police Chief Kenneth Cost and current Glendale Deputy City Manager Brent Stoddard as assistant city managers, according to a press release.
“These appointments represent a strategic investment in Mesa’s future,” Mr. Butler said in a press release.
“We are bringing together exceptional leaders who understand the complexities of municipal government and share our commitment to delivering outstanding services to Mesa residents and businesses. Together, we will continue building on Mesas success while positioning the City for future growth and innovation.”
Mr. Butler is also recognizing the continued outstanding service of Deputy City Manager and CFO Michael Kennington and Deputy City Manager Candace Cannistraro, whose expertise and dedication remain integral to Mesas success.
“Michael and Candace have been instrumental in maintaining Mesas financial stability and operational effectiveness,” Mr. Butler noted. “Their continued leadership, combined with our new appointments, creates a robust executive team ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The new organizational structure reflects Mesas commitment to strategic leadership and operational excellence.
Kenneth Cost Returns as assistant city manager
Former Mesa Police Chief Kenneth Cost, who retired in June 2025 after 30 years of distinguished service at one of Mesas largest and complex departments, will return to the City as Assistant City Manager beginning in early September. Cost applied for the position through a competitive process and was selected based on his exceptional leadership experience.
During his tenure as Police Chief from 2019 to 2025, Cost transformed the Mesa Police Department into a model law enforcement agency, positioning Mesa as the second safest major city in the United States with a population over 500,000. He successfully hired over 300 new officers, reduced vacancy rates to historic lows, and implemented innovative programs, including the nationally recognized SPARC Youth Sports Program.
Cost holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice from California State University at Fullerton, and a masters degree from Xavier University in Ohio. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for Police Executives.
Brent Stoddard Joins Mesa as assistant city manager
Brent Stoddard, currently serving as Deputy City Manager for the City of Glendale, will join Mesa as Assistant City Manager in August. Stoddard brings valuable experience in economic development, having been instrumental in overseeing Glendales business growth and attraction efforts.
As Glendales Deputy City Manager, Stoddard has led public affairs, including internal and external communications, media relations, and state and federal affairs. He has also overseen staffing efforts for elected officials in various regional and federal organizations, including the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Marc Heirshberg promoted to assistant city manager
Marc Heirshberg, who has served as Deputy City Manager since November 2020. With more than 24 years of public service experience, Heirshberg has provided leadership and oversight for Mesa’s Water Resources, Energy Resources, Development Services, Solid Waste, Fleet Services, Engineering, and Environmental Management and Sustainability departments.
Previously serving as Mesa’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities from 2010 to 2020, Heirshberg managed operations for 203 parks, nine aquatic centers, and major venues including the Mesa Convention Center. Under his leadership, the department received National Gold Medal Award finalist status and became the first parks and recreation agency worldwide to earn the Certified Autism Center designation.
He holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership and Public Administration from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
Department assignments for all executive staff will be announced later this summer.
