The Mesa City Council has unanimously appointed Scott Butler as the new City Manager. Butler, who has served as Assistant City Manager since July 2022 and brings to his new role nearly 21 years of experience with the City of Mesa, will succeed Christopher J. Brady on June 1, 2025. Brady announced his retirement in January after nearly two decades of transformative leadership.
“Mesa is positioned for an incredible future. I’m honored to have been selected to help guide our city through its next chapter,” said Mesa’s newly appointed City Manager Scott Butler. “My approach will balance fiscal discipline with strategic innovation, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional services while developing the economic vitality our community deserves. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established during Chris Brady’s tenure while bringing fresh perspectives to address our evolving challenges.”
As Assistant City Manager, Butler has overseen several critical departments, including Police, Fire and Medical, Municipal Court, Transportation, Transit and Falcon Field. His experience also includes serving as Deputy City Manager from 2015 to 2022 and Director of Government Relations from 2008 to 2015.
“Scott has foundational and institutional knowledge of the City of Mesa. He knows what makes the City successful and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges ahead,” said Mayor Mark Freeman. The Council has complete confidence in his ability to lead our organization. His deep understanding of our community makes him the ideal candidate. Fortunately, we have someone of Scott’s caliber ready to step into this critical role.”
Throughout his career with Mesa, Butler has overseen numerous transformative projects, including securing the Chicago Cubs continued presence in Mesa, acquiring the Air Force Research Labs, developing State Route 24, creating the funding mechanism for the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension and obtaining federal support for the new Mesa Gateway Airport air traffic control tower. Scott has also been instrumental in developing partnerships with Arizona State University and the Maricopa Community College District to build workforce development programs that attract high-wage employers to Mesa.
“Scott has grown tremendously during his tenure with the City of Mesa, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his development as a leader,” said outgoing City Manager Chris Brady. “Scott has a unique ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day management of the City. He understands Mesa’s operations from the ground up and has earned the trust of staff and community stakeholders. His institutional knowledge and dynamic mindset will allow for a seamless transition while bringing fresh energy to the organization. I’m confident Mesa will be in excellent hands under his leadership.”
Butler’s priorities as City Manager will include maintaining the City’s fiscal responsibility approach to budget and management, reorganizing resources for greater efficiency, streamlining development processes, attracting high-wage employers, enhancing placemaking initiatives and maintaining Mesa’s commitment to public safety.
Prior to joining Mesa in 2004, Scott Butler served in various roles at the local, state and federal government levels, including as a policy advisor for the Georgia House of Representatives, a senior advisor to the Georgia Secretary of State and as an outreach liaison for the White House Office of Scheduling and Advance. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia.
