My name is Michelle Hess, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Council representative of District 3 since 2012.  Buckeye has captured my heart!  We moved here because of a job but stayed because of the community.  I love the small-town charm of this growing city.  I enjoy bringing my children up in a community where I feel safe and part of something bigger than ourselves.  I enjoy our annual traditions, such as the Glow on Monroe, rodeos, and the 4th of July fireworks show.  I see what Buckeye can be one day and desire to protect those things that give it that special charm. 

 

I have lived in Arizona for 40 years and in Buckeye since 2006. My husband McKenzie is a firefighter, and we are about to celebrate our 25th year of marriage!  We have three amazing children that love Buckeye and all it has to offer. We enjoy serving at our local church and different community events and mission opportunities beyond our borders.

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I currently serve as the Executive Director for Leadership West, along with being a member of the Buckeye City Councilmember. Leadership West is a non-profit organization designed to transform already  exceptional  individuals into leaders who generously utilize their knowledge, collaboration, and skills to make life better for everyone in their organization, community, and region. In addition to leadership training, we inform leaders on the issues facing Arizona such as; water, infrastructure, public safety, education, health care, quality of life, and job creation and retention. We want the West Valley to continue thriving. To see to that, we are equipping leaders with greater regional awareness, access to an influential network of trail blazers, and the ability to super refine their leadership skills.I am passionate about the West Valley of Arizona and I leverage my leadership, networking, and problem solving skills to help inspire and cultivate the leadership capital in Buckeye and beyond. 

I am a summa cum laude graduate of Grand Canyon University with a liberal arts degree in theology and received my master’s in ministry from Johnson University. I am fellow of the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy, graduating from Class 5 of the intensive program, which is designed to expand the number of future state-level leaders with the skills, knowledge and commitment to address Arizona’s long-term issues. I am an alumnus of Leadership West class XX. In 2014, I was selected from leaders nationally and internationally to participate in the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Councilmember