Known for her Work Ethic and Leadership Skills, Joanne Keene Steps into the City Manager Role

First on her agenda is to keep the City of Flagstaff’s provisions going strong and to continue to be a responsible organization delivering quality service as well as listening to the needs of the citizens.   

“I think this is the fundamentals of local government, and the city has been doing a great job providing services that are incredibly important to our residents: trash pickup, parks, police, fire, etc. From my perspective, it is to be community focused. I also want to be sure to continue to ensure Flagstaff has opportunities from the state and federal levels for funding and policy changes that are needed.”

Keene is not the first woman Flagstaff city manager; however, she is the first to be appointed following a nationwide recruitment effort. Barbara Goodrich served as interim city manager in 2018-’19.

Coming to the United States when she was 8 years old, Keene was born in Preston, England. Her family landed in New Orleans when her father accepted a position as a design engineer working on the space shuttle for Martin Marietta. While in fifth grade, Keene’s family moved to Tempe. “I pretty much grew up in Tempe and went to Marcos De Niza High School.”

She became a U.S. citizen as a junior in high school. “There’s definitely a value I’ve always placed on public service,” she said. “My sister also worked public service in law enforcement. I’m grateful for what this country has given me and my family, and I’ve always wanted to give back.”

While in high school, Keene participated in a program called Tempe Government Days where students shadowed a department director, mayor or city manager. “I shadowed the community development director and that was the first time I thought, wow, this could be really interesting. I met the mayor, and we had a mock city council meeting. I never thought I would be doing what I’m doing now, but that was a good entry into local government.”

Noting that she’s always had a strong work ethic, when she turned 16, her mother brought her an application for El Pollo Loco. “Since then, I have worked, volunteered and did internships and I always kept connections and relationships. I think that’s what led me into government relations, legislative affairs and public information.”

And leadership skills came naturally. “I feel like I’ve always been a good leader of people and I think it’s led me into high-level management roles; obviously, this is the highest,” said Keene. “All of that experience put together has given me a good sense of what it takes to lead an organization and people. I’m a member of this community and I care deeply about Flagstaff. I’m excited to serve in this role.”

Keene advises younger women and those interested in government to always focus on relationships. “You never know when you’re going to come in contact with someone again. It’s not always easy, but keep relationships positive. Also, always make sure your ethics are at the forefront. Putting ethics first has always been important in my career.”

“I’m truly excited to welcome Flagstaff’s new City Manager, Joanne Keene,” said Coconino County Manager Andy Bertlesen. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Joanne for over 25 years of service to our local communities. From advancing our Northern Arizona legislative priorities and securing funding to addressing natural disaster recovery, to advocating for transportation and public transit funding, Joanne and I have proven to be great teammates and colleagues. I’m excited for this opportunity to work side by side and am confident that our agencies will continue building a strong future for those who live, work, raise families and visit Flagstaff and Coconino County.”

With a degree in English, broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in public administration, Keene is a graduate of Northern Arizona University. She served as deputy city manager in Sedona, deputy county manager for Coconino County and executive vice-president and chief of staff at NAU.

To continue the momentum and finalization of several capital projects, Keene’s hope is to continue to deliver on promises made. “There’s a lot going on with infrastructure within the city, but I feel like things are working and coming together.”

Several current projects include the Lone Tree Overpass Project, Butler-Fourth Improvement Projects, Museum Fire Flood Projects, Rio de Flag Flood Control Project, Downtown Mile and JD Powell Specific Plan.

“We have about 32 acres at the airport that Economic Development is working with a private firm to get tenants in that space for a tech hub or research park,” she said.

Also serving in public service is Keene’s husband, City of Flagstaff Budget Manager John Comer. Both are devoted trail runners along with their dog, Mabel. They also enjoy camping in their sprinter van and traveling internationally for big running trips. FBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: With a wealth of hard-earned experience in government and legislative affairs, Flagstaff City Manager Joanne Keene brings her community-first leadership to Flagstaff City Hall.