Surprise Assistant City Manager Mark Schott is resigning, and Surprise Police Chief Terry Young is taking his place.

City Manager Michael Frazier said the change takes effect Monday, Jan. 11, leaving a temporary opening for the city’s top cop spot.

“I want to thank Mark for his tremendous service to our city,” Mr. Frazier said in a news release from the city. “He leaves a positive legacy that will live on through his colleagues who learned so much from him over the past 25-plus years. Mark embodies what it is to be a friend and mentor.”

Mr. Frazier, who was previously Surprise’s police chief, named assistant chief Geoffrey Leggett the interim chief while the city begins the recruitment process for a new permanent head.

“When I retired as the Surprise police chief to become the assistant city manager in 2015, it was an honor to have Terry serve as our next police chief,” Mr. Frazier said. “It will be just as rewarding to now welcome him to our executive management team.”

Mr. Schott was named assistant city manager in September 2018, having previously served as the director of human resources and risk management. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in local government, which began in 1990 with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

He joined the city of Surprise in 1993 as a police officer. During the remainder of his 21-year law enforcement career, Mr. Schott served in all ranks of the department, including leadership positions as a lieutenant, commander, assistant chief and the interim police chief in 2010 and 2011.

“It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Surprise,” Mr. Schott said. “I’ve enjoyed working with our city council and staff over these many years and seeing the city develop and grow, with such a bright future ahead.”

Mr. Young began his career with Surprise police in 2010, after retiring as a deputy chief from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. He was named Surprise police chief in July 2015.

During his 30-plus years in law enforcement he oversaw a variety of operations from patrol, investigations, personnel management, police and organizational development and safety. He is also the past president of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Young holds a bachelor’s of science degree in applied management from Grand Canyon University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is a graduate of the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University, as well as the FBI National Academy. 

“I’ve very much enjoyed working alongside our dedicated police officers and look forward to continuing to serve our community in a new role,” Mr. Young said.

Mr. Leggett has logged more than 37 years of law enforcement experience with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Surprise Police Department since 2011.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in police science and administration as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.