Rachel Smetana earns key role at City Hall following national search
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
Rachel Smetana is taking the reins at the Scottsdale tourism and events department.
Ms. Smetana, following a national search, was selected for the position becoming available following the retirement of Karen Churchard, who serves in the critical municipal role today.
Ms. Smetana assumes the role of Scottsdale tourism and events director Monday, Aug. 5, officials at City Hall tell the Digital Free Press.
“Rachel emerged as the top choice following four panels of interviews over the past six weeks, including tourism & events department staff, aviation, economic development, planning and development services and WestWorld department directors, and leadership from the tourism development commission, Experience Scottsdale, Scottsdale Arts and Western Spirit organizations,” said Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell in a report to members of City Council earlier this month.
“Rachel has worked for the city of Scottsdale for more than 24 years, most recently as human services manager at the Paiute Neighborhood Center. She worked in the mayor’s office for 10 years including serving as [the] mayor’s chief of staff for almost seven years. She also worked in economic development as the city’s downtown liaison, as well as in planning and development services, human services, and the library.”
Rachel Smetana earns key role at City Hall following national search
Ms. Smetana is an Arizona native, Scottsdale resident and says she hopes to play a positive part in the critical role tourism plays in the identity of the local and municipal community.
“Even before Scottsdale was incorporated, local leaders were very intentional about becoming a tourism destination and no one can quibble with 80-plus years of success,” she said.
“I want to build on that history through excellent stewardship of the bed-tax dollars while keeping our events fresh, safe, and exciting for all to enjoy,” she said. “I want to help play a hand in creating and supporting new events in concert with driving national and international visitation with the experts at Experience Scottsdale and, of course, championing our world class art and cultural attractions.”
Ms. Smetana reminds it takes constant vigilance to deliver world class expectations.
“I look forward to maintaining our downtown as a must-see, clean and inviting environment by working cooperatively with tourism leaders across Arizona,” she said. “We are ready for the next great idea that can help us bolster and enhance local tourism.”
Ms. Smetana knows Scottsdale.
“She is the Scottsdale Historical Society past president and today serves on its advisory board,” Mr. Stockwell said in his hiring announcement. “She is also on the Scottsdale Community College President’s Advisory Board and is a Parada del Sol Planning Committee member and ‘Main Stage’ announcer.”
Ms. Smetana says she expects to be part of an ecosystem to move Scottsdale tourism forward.
“On Aug. 5, I’ll be part of an important ecosystem charged with the care, health, and oversight of many facets of what makes and keeps Scottsdale a world class destination,” she said pointing out she is humbled for the vote of confidence given to her in the hiring of this executive position.
“There were several rounds of tough interviews over six weeks that included city directors from other departments and external executive leadership from tourism, arts, museums, and events. To have that storied group think I will do the best job out of all the terrifically qualified candidates is an honor, and I aim to work my fanny off to do my level best to prove them right.”
