Following a national search, Queen Creek has hired a new assistant town manager.

Shea Joachim will replace Bruce Gardner, the previous assistant town manager who was named town manager in November. Joachim's tenure is effective June 5.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shea Joachim to the QC Community,” stated Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley in a press release. “As a young, growing town, this position is so important as it oversees our development-related departments. We are excited to have Shea’s expertise in these various areas as we continue to ensure a high quality of life, promote a strong sense of community, protect our residents and provide world-class public service.”

Since 2016, Joachim had been the business and economic development director for the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. While there, he secured master-development agreements for nearly 700 acres of aeronautical and non-aeronautical airport land, and recruited new tenants including Gulfstream, Virgin Galactic and Boeing, according to the release.

Prior to his work at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, Joachim worked with the town manager's office for the city of Mesa on special projects.

"I am pleased to welcome Shea to the Queen Creek team,” stated Queen Creek Town Manager Bruce Gardner. “Not only will Shea provide leadership to several departments, (but) he will also assist me with day-to-day organizational priorities. Shea’s background will help continue to move the town forward during this pivotal period of the town’s development, particularly related to infrastructure and business development." 

Joachim has a Master of Business degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College. He is also a member of numerous professional associations including the Arizona Association for Economic Development and the International Economic Development Council.

The assistant town manager is responsible for broad policy planning and management oversight; assisting the town manager with all phases of government, including participation in strategic planning and budgeting, facilitating the development and implementation of policy proposals; leading leadership teams; and representing the town in variety of capacities.

The assistant town manager also oversees the town’s capital improvements, community development, economic development, public works and utilities departments.

“As a long-time resident of the East Valley, I’m amazed by the growth in Queen Creek over the last two decades and the incredible possibilities Queen Creek has on the horizon,” Joachim said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the exceptional team at the town of Queen Creek and I’m looking forward to serving the residents of Queen Creek.”