Glendale announced Thomas Adkins as the new deputy city manager on Aug. 11. His first day in the city will be Aug. 25.

Adkins has decades of experience working in public policy at the local, regional, state and federal level, as well as in crisis communications, community relations and legislative advocacy.

He will oversee the Intergovernmental Programs and Communications departments, which include internal and external communications, media relations, video production, website management, graphic design and special projects. He will provide direction to ensure programs meet the needs of the community and City Council’s goals.

“Thomas brings tremendous experience that will be key in strengthening partnerships and establishing priorities at every level, which will help us advance the city’s goals and serve residents more effectively,” City Manager Kevin Phelps stated in a press release. “He will be a great asset to the city, and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.”

Adkins most recently worked for the Arizona Board of Regents, where he managed crisis communications and community relations through high-profile challenges including the University of Arizona’s financial recovery.

Prior to that he served as the Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the city of Peoria where he secured millions of dollars in state appropriations over multiple years for key infrastructure projects.

“I’m grateful for the trust that Kevin has placed in me and look forward to serving the citizens of Glendale alongside the leadership team,” Adkins stated in the release. “Glendale is a city on the move and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

He will replace Brent Stoddard, hired by Mesa as an assistant city manager in July.

Adkins earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and a master of public administration degree from Arizona State University.