Mary Jacobs, the assistant city manager in Sierra Vista, has been named the new town manager for Oro Valley.
Her first day on the job will be Sept. 5, the town said Friday in a news release. Jacobs was one of four finalists for the job named by the town earlier this month. Her base annual salary will be $160,000.
Oro Valley has been working to find a new town manager since June 2016, following the resignation of Greg Caton. Town officials restarted the hunt in February after not finding a suitable replacement during an initial search.
During that time, Police Chief Daniel G. Sharp served as interim town manager. Sharp will return to his position as police chief when Jacobs begins in September.
Jacobs has served more than 17 years in her position with Sierra Vista, where she functions as the city’s chief operating officer, supervising all nonpublic safety operational departments and services.
“I’ve lived and worked in Arizona local government long enough to know that Oro Valley is indeed a gem,” Jacobs said. “I am excited to be joining an organization committed to providing superior services and an exceptional quality of life for its residents, a commitment I passionately share. I look forward to leading the organization into the next phase of Oro Valley’s bright future.”
Oro Valley Mayor Satish I. Hiremath said Jacobs has a wealth of knowledge and “contagious enthusiasm.”
“I am confident Oro Valley residents, business owners and stakeholders will be thrilled with our decision,” he said in the town’s news release.
Prior to her position in Sierra Vista, Jacobs served as assistant town manager of Barnstable, Massachusetts, for six years. She also worked in several professional and managerial positions for Maricopa County from 1989 to 1994.
Jacobs holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arizona. She grew up in Tucson, where her parents and many family members still reside.
