The Maricopa Association of Governments has named Audra Koester Thomas as its Executive Director, marking the first time in the agency’s history that a woman will lead the organization. Koester Thomas brings a decade of service to MAG, most recently serving as Assistant Executive Director and Chief of Staff. She assumes a two-year contract following the resignation of Ed Zuercher, who returned to his previous role as Phoenix City Manager.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as MAG’s next Executive Director. This region is defined by its collaborative spirit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the foundation we’ve created together. I look forward to working with our member agencies, partners, and communities to advance a shared vision for a thriving, connected, and resilient region,” said Koester Thomas.
Upon joining MAG in 2015, Koester Thomas played a central role in shaping the region’s long-term transportation strategy. She led the development of the nationally recognized Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan (RSTIIP), uniting member agencies around a shared 20-year vision. The unified support behind the plan ultimately translated into the overwhelming voter endorsement of Maricopa County’s dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation in 2024.
Beyond transportation, Koester Thomas has played a key leadership role in shaping MAG’s environmental planning and human services efforts. Most recently, she took a leading role in advancing innovative strategies to improve air quality and safeguard public health, while fostering sustainable economic growth across the region. Her approach underscores the importance of bringing stakeholders together to advance efforts that require long-term commitment.
“Audra’s vision, steady leadership, and deep commitment to regionalism make her the right person to guide MAG into its next chapter. She has earned the trust of member agencies by bringing people together around complex issues and delivering results that strengthen our communities. We are confident that under her leadership, MAG will continue to drive meaningful, data-informed solutions for the people we serve,” said MAG Regional Council Chair Alexis Hermosillo, Mayor of El Mirage.
Before joining MAG, Koester Thomas worked in the private sector as a land use and transportation consultant and began her public service career with The Woodlands Township in suburban Houston. There, she contributed to significant governance and long-range planning initiatives, supporting a nationally recognized public engagement process that strengthened local autonomy and shaped the community’s future.
“As I take on the role of Executive Director, I recognize that the progress we have made as a region is rooted in collaboration. My colleagues at MAG and the steadfast leadership of our member agencies have shaped the successes we share, and I look forward to building on that foundation,” she added.
Koester Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and master’s degrees in political science and public administration from the University of Houston.
