The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) recently awarded Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney the role of chair, reflecting a shared, continued level of commitment to regional collaboration and transportation as well as economic development initiatives.

“One of MAG’s most important responsibilities is transportation planning,” Barney said. “The importance of our transportation network cannot be overstated – it affects just about every aspect of our daily lives. It is how we get home, how we get to work, how our children get to school, how we shop and dine and how we travel. It impacts our economy and our quality of life.”

Barney has spent one year as vice chair and has served on the executive committee for the past six years. He emphasized the importance of building job creation, tourism and trade as well as focusing on air quality and tending to the homeless. 

He joins a newly appointed slate including El Mirage Mayor Lana Mook as vice chair and Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell as treasurer. Additionally, three at-large members are Mayors Jerry Weiers of Glendale, John Giles of Mesa and Thelda Williams of Phoenix.

The executive committee functions as MAG's finance committee and performs administrative duties ranging from amendments to budget decisions and contract selections. Officers serve one-year terms.