Leadership & Staff

Mr. Fleming is the President and CEO of Global Water Resources, Inc. He is responsible for the company’s strategic plan and growth, in addition to all corporate business functions and regulated utilities. Mr. Fleming has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the School of Engineering at Northern Arizona University, with an emphasis in Heavy Civil and a minor in Business Administration. He has over 20 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, having both constructed large scale heavy-civil projects working for general contractors and serving as the owner-operator of utility systems. Since joining Global Water in 2005, Mr. Fleming has occupied such roles as Senior Project Manager overseeing Global Water’s capital improvement program which deployed over $150 million dollars in infrastructure, to General Manager and President of Regulated Utilities focusing on statewide operations for 12 water, wastewater, and recycled water utilities.

Mr. Yerges was recently appointed the General Manager of Electrical District No. 3 (ED3) and assumed his responsibilities in May 2020. Prior to ED3, he served for approximately 10 years as the City Administrator/Utilities Manager for Plymouth, Wisconsin and served as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for all of city government including operations of Plymouth Utilities (Electric, Water, Sewer, Stormwater). During his tenure, Plymouth Utilities invested in a multi-year utility modernization effort which included a new utilities operations center, construction of Well #17, construction of Reservoir #3, Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, fiber network, substation #2 and #4 upgrades, along with other capital investments. Plymouth was recognized by several prestigious state and national organizations with awards during his tenure.

Mr. Yerges has master’s degrees in Public Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Wisconsin Lutheran College where he double majored in Political Science and Communications. He has completed a number of executive programs including the Utility Executive Course at the University of Idaho, Utility Management certificate from Willamette University, and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

He holds the American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) designation, completed the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification program through the National Development Council (NDC), and also holds the International City County Management Association’s Credentialed Manager designation (ICMA-CM). Mr. Yerges also earned the American Public Power Manager designation from the American Public Power Association.

Mr. Adams, Group President of First Interstate Bank is a 38 year banking professional managing offices in Tucson, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge and Globe Arizona. The bulk of his experience is in lending working with family owned, middle market businesses with revenues of $250MM and below and focusing on commercial, manufacturing, investment and owner occupied real estate investment, construction and agricultural lending activities. Mr. Adams also spent 8 years of his career on the information technology side of banking managing line units devoted to Treasury Management sales activities and acquisitions over 19 states. Today, he manages commercial bankers focusing on commercial, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, real estate construction (owner occupied, investment & subdivision) lending and deposit activities throughout the State. Mr. Adams is a native of California and a graduate from the University of Oregon. He and his wife Krystal and their three kids reside in Tucson.

Ms. Adiani has over 16 years of experience in the global mining industry spanning executive industry roles, investment banking and corporate law. Ms. Adiani was Senior Adviser to ASCU USA since January 2021 and was responsible for leading execution of the initial public offering and other corporate development & finance activities. Previously, she was Executive Vice President of Xiana Mining Inc., a copper producer and developer in Chile where she was Head of Business Development responsible for group finance & corporate finance matters. Prior to that, she was Managing Director in the mining team at NRG Capital Partners in London and also served as Vice President within the Mining M&A Team at Societe Generale.

Ms. Adiani has advised on and been involved in transactions in excess of US$10 billion during the course of her career, including landmark industry transactions. She was Senior Corporate Finance Manager for La Mancha Resources (reporting to the CFO), which remains one of the largest private investors in the gold sector with over US$1 billion of assets under management. She is also admitted to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (currently non-practicing) and practiced corporate law at Linklaters LLP in London and Dubai from 2006-2011.

Ms. Adiani is a law graduate from the University of Oxford and University of Sheffield. She has a CFA in ESG Investing from the CFA Institute and also has a Certificate in Mining Studies — Mining & Minerals Engineering from the University of British Columbia (Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering). Currently Ms. Adiani also serves on the board of Brixton Metals Corporation.

Mr. Green is Director of the Maricopa Agricultural Center, a 2100-acre University of Arizona research facility located in Maricopa, AZ. Notable research programs include agricultural sciences, water quality, food safety, robotics, autonomous systems, soil and water conservation, and sustainable food production.

Prior to joining UA in 2019 Mr. Green worked 8 years at Arizona State University, launching and completing significant growth initiatives both for ASU and across Maricopa County. He began his university career following a long and successful industry career. Major employers included John Deere and Honeywell Aerospace. Collectively, he has over 35 years’ engineering, business development, strategic planning, and executive leadership experience.

During his career Mr. Green has helped launch three successful businesses and championed numerous other ventures. His interests and experiences are diverse, but his passion is building and growing organizations.

Mr. Green is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering. In 2019 he completed a 3-year appointment to the City of Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board of Directors. He remains active in workforce development initiatives across Arizona, working closely with high school Career & Technical Education programs.

Mr. Horst was appointed City Manager for the City of Maricopa, Arizona on June 25, 2018. As the City Manager, he is responsible for the implementation and execution of Council policies, strategic planning, fiscal sustainability and oversight of all city personnel. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Horst served as City Manager for cities in Florida, Utah, and California and brings over thirty-five years of progressive experience in the field of public administration with a proven and verifiable record of creativity, innovation, honesty, and as a results oriented leader “who gets things done.” He is a member of the International City/County Manager’s Association and obtained his Credential City Manager certification in 2004.

Mr. Kenny joined El Dorado Holdings, Inc. in 2007. As president, he directs activity on existing investments and locates new investment opportunities in multiple real estate sectors with a focus on properties where El Dorado can bring its market knowledge and experience to increase value for investors. El Dorado Holdings was the visionary for the City of Maricopa, beginning with the acquisition of the El Dorado Ranch, once owned by John Wayne. Today, El Dorado Holdings is one of Arizona’s largest private landowners with assets of more than $1 billion.

Mr. Schurz is the President and General Manager of Orbitel Communications, Schurz Communications, Inc.’s Arizona broadband properties. These broadband systems serve the communities of Maricopa, Sun Lakes, SunBird, Robson Ranch, SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch. Mr. Schurz is a fifth-generation executive of Schurz Communications, a privately held family owned and operated business that was founded in 1872.

James Smith has nearly 24 years of municipal government experience, primarily in business/economic development. 

He assumed the role of Economic and Workforce Development Director for Pinal County in November 2021. In this role, he is leading the County’s efforts to attract significant investment and jobs to the region, while also seeking to ensure the workforce is prepared for these future jobs.

Prior to Pinal County, he served as Economic Development Director for the Town of Fountain Hills, AZ. His focus was on leading efforts to attract and retain businesses, and promote Tourism as important economic driver for the Town. Key initiatives included assisting with the development of the Town’s first hospital and a new HonorHealth urgent care facility which will open in the fall of 2021. He also partnered with the East Valley Institute of Technology and Fountain Hills School District on The BizHub@Fountain Hills, which utilizes a former school facility as a business incubator/accelerator.

He also has previous experience with the City of Chandler, which included managing numerous attraction and expansion projects for major corporations, including new operations for Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Voya Financial and Republic Services. In addition, he led City efforts related to expansions by Northrop Grumman, NXP Semiconductor, and Rogers Corporation, which resulted in the relocation of their corporate headquarters to Chandler. Further experience was related to the redevelopment and reuse of commercial properties through the administration of the City’s Commercial Reinvestment Program/Infill Incentive Plan as well as leading efforts to implement an adaptive reuse program.

He holds Bachelor of Science (Economics) and Master of Public Administration degrees – both from San Jose State University. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, he is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Recently, he completed the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program through Arizona State University.

Councilmember Smith graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Electronic Technology and was immediately hired by Motorola. While working for Motorola, she advanced her education by receiving a degree in Business Management. She has spent the majority of her career in military technology and project management for major government programs. While at Motorola, she extended her work experience by specializing in finance and budgeting. She increased her experience in project management when she accepted a new position at General Dynamics. The success and talents she acquired at Motorola and General Dynamics are transferable to the duties and responsibilities of the Maricopa City Council.

Councilmember Smith moved to Maricopa prior to the city’s incorporation. She has continuously served the community since she moved to the community. She is one of the co-founders and a previous board member of the F.O.R Maricopa food bank. She served as Co-Chair of the American Cancer Society – Maricopa Relay for Life. She has a passion for non-profits and enjoys serving at church, in various school committees and many city-wide events. Councilmember Smith participated and graduated from the first Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy and she is currently a member of the Maricopa Advocate Program.

She was very proud to be invited to serve as a board member of the Pinal Partnership Board of Directors. The purpose of Pinal Partnership is uniting the vision for Pinal County. As part of this position, Councilmember Smith invests time in ensuring Maricopa’s needs and vision are included in the mission. She focuses attention on Transportation, Infrastructure and Economic Development topics.

Councilmember Smith was asked to serve on the MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Economic Development Committee. MAG was founded in the spirit of unity and cooperation. MAG members believe that they can solve common problems, take an active role in long-range regional issues and address concerns that affect all communities. By serving on the Economic Development Committee Councilmember Smith is able to bring new information quickly back to Maricopa as well as participate in decisions and training opportunities.

She is the proud mother of two children and a trusted mentor to a large extended family. Her husband and family spend their free time playing sports and watching their favorite sport teams compete. Although Arizona is not her birth state, she thoroughly loves living in Arizona and feels as though she is a native.

As a Councilmember for the City of Maricopa, Nancy is focused on an agenda that builds a strong and sustainable economy that moves Maricopa from a bedroom community to a place we live, play and work.

Councilmember Henry M. Wade, Jr. is the co-founder and Past-President of the Arizona Association of Real Estate Brokers (AAREB) and former board member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). He served as Chair of NAREB National Political Action Committee (NATPAC). Chair Wade is the previous chair of the Pinal County Democratic Party and has served on the Pinal County and Arizona Democratic Party Executive Committees.

Councilmember Wade is a graduate of the first Maricopa Leadership Academy and spent four years on the Maricopa City Planning and Zoning Commission with one year as Vice-Chair. Until his election, he served as a member of the Maricopa Police Chief’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Councilmember Wade as also been called upon to participate in numerous community studies, task force and stakeholder review opportunities.

With 30 years of real estate experience in the Valley of the Sun, Councilmember Wade brings a wealth of hands on experience to the Council. He began his real estate career selling homes part-time while stationed at Luke AFB. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1993, he opened Sabry, Inc. Real Estate Appraisals and then added Northstar Homes as part of his bundle of services. He is also a Certified Housing Counselor, specializing in loss mitigation and foreclosure prevention. He is currently the Director of Commercial and Single Family Residential Property Management for Tiempo, Inc., a subsidiary of Chicanos Por La Causa. You only have to spend five minutes with him to feel his passion for the community he serves. Community Service has been a part of Henry’s life since he was 9 years old.

As part of his military career, Henry has lived in numerous communities throughout the world where he has been actively involved in community development and support. Locally, Henry was awarded the “Unsung Hero of the Year Award” from former Arizona State Senator Leah Landrum. He is the father of three sons and two grandsons; Henry enjoys working with children and traveling.

Henry’s personal motto is, “if you want to be taken seriously, you must be serious”.

Mr. Wilkey is president of Arizona Grain, Inc., headquartered in Casa Grande, AZ. He joined the company in 1991. From 1996 until 2006 he was Vice President and Director of Merchandising and Risk Management. Mr. Wilkey also is the President of Arizona Plant Breeders Inc. of Arizona City AZ.

Before joining Arizona Grain, Inc. he worked for six years with Continental Grain Co. in various locations throughout North America.

He currently serves as Executive Committee Chairman of the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), and is the immediate past Industry Chairman of the NGFA. Mr. Wilkey has served as the Chairman of NGFA’s Grain and Feed Foundation as well as chairman of its Country Elevator Committee. Since 2004, he has served the State of Arizona by appointment of the Governor as a member the Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council, and served as this body’s chairman in 2006-2007. Mr. Wilkey is a past Chairman of the Transportation, Elevator, and Grain Merchants Association, serving in 2006 and 2007 in that role.

Mr. Wilkey is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign, with a B.S. in Agriculture Economics.

Andrew Clegg is the Executive Director, Career and Workforce Training at Central Arizona College. His role is to interface with new and existing businesses to address their training and workforce needs.

Andrew has been involved in higher education for the last six years focused on managing grants used to assist students with achieving their educational goals. He managed a consortium grant between multiple colleges to advance manufacturing education in the state and a Title V. grant focused on Guided Pathways. For the last 3 years he has managed the Arizona Center for Community College Success, a non-profit organized to support the ten community college districts with implementing Guided Pathways.

Prior to his role with community colleges, Andrew was an economic developer for the City of Mesa and the Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation. His focus was on business retention and expansion as well as business recruitment. Andrew has always had a passion for workforce development which provided direct assistance to the community by providing jobs to the community.

Andrew has also held roles in the private sector in human resources as well as business development. He is a Casa Grande resident with his wife and three daughters.

Robert Ito focuses his practice in corporate and securities.

Education

• Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2020)
  • Order of the Coif
  • CALI Awards: Real Estate Finance, Contract Drafting & Negotiation, Business Organizations, Professional Responsibility, Legal Advocacy, and Evidence
  • Arizona State Law Journal, Business Editor
  • Willard H. Pedrick Scholar
  • VP of Finance, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
• Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business (B.S., Finance, summa cum laude, 2016)

Community Involvement

• Arizona Legal Center

Previous Professional Experience

• My Home Group Real Estate, Realtor (2013-2020)
• Snell & Wilmer, Summer Associate (2019)
• Innovation Advancement Legal Clinic, Rule 38 Certified Limited Practice Student (2019)
• Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, Hon. Jennifer Perkins, Judicial Extern (2018)

Bar Admissions

• Arizona

Court Admissions

• Supreme Court of Arizona