Michelle Hess
Associate
Email : michellerhess@yahoo.com
Biography
Michelle Hess is a seasoned public servant and leadership strategist with over a decade of experience in regional government, community development, and executive training. She served for 12 years on the Buckeye City Council, including two terms as Vice Mayor, where she helped lead the city through transformational growth, economic development, and the implementation of a landmark water sustainability plan. Her leadership contributed to Buckeye’s AAA bond rating and its recognition as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Background
Michelle is an Associate with Mercer Group Associates specializing in recruitment, facilitation, organizational studies and leadership development.
Michelle most recently serves as Executive Director of Leadership West, Arizona’s premier leadership institute for the West Valley, where she has cultivated cross-sector partnerships and designed programs addressing infrastructure, education, workforce development, and public safety. She is also a certified leadership development consultant, facilitating training for government, nonprofit, and corporate teams.
A Flinn-Brown Fellow and graduate of Harvard’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, Michelle currently serves on the boards of the Flinn Foundation, WESTMARC Workforce Development, and Grand Canyon University’s College of Doctoral Studies. She holds degrees from Grand Canyon University and Johnson University and continues to work at the intersection of policy, leadership, and regional collaboration.