Peoria Names Arts, Culture and Library Services Director, Chief Community Affairs Officer and Interim Communications Director

PEORIA, Ariz. (April 27, 2022) - Three key positions were appointed through internal recruitments to serve important community service and support functions at the City.

Marylou Stephens has been selected as the new Arts, Culture and Library Services Director. This department encompasses the city's library services, special events, arts and theater operations, as well as efforts toward historical preservation and cultural affairs. Stephens has more than 23 years of experience in arts, culture, marketing, and general management. Over the past five years, she has served as the city's Arts and Culture Manager. Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science for Marketing from Arizona State University. She is involved in several industry associations such as the Americans for the Arts, Arizona Citizens for the Arts, TheaterWorks, and the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

Kelli Kincaid will serve in the City Manager's Office as Chief Community Affairs Officer. Kincaid will be working to build and strengthen relationships with numerous stakeholders, including community groups, non-profit agencies, civic and trade associations, and business leaders. In addition, Kincaid will assist with many of the high-level issues and initiatives in the City Manager's Office. Kelli was the former Neighborhood and Human Services Deputy Director. Kincaid has her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from the University of Northern Iowa, and comes with more than 23 years of service to the City of Peoria.

Briana Cortinas will serve as Interim Office of Communications Director, overseeing internal and public communication services for the city, including media relations and digital media. Cortinas brings with her nearly 15 years of municipal experience, with the past 11 years serving in the mayor and council offices. As Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Cortinas led strategic communications and community relations on behalf of the Mayor. She has served as a close advisor to the City Manager's Office and has been involved in numerous, high-level issues and initiatives over the years. Cortinas holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Grand Canyon University.

"Marylou, Kelli, and Briana bring a wealth of experience, dedication and energy to these important areas," said Jeff Tyne, Peoria City Manager. "In these new roles, they each will strengthen the ways we can connect with and serve our community."

For more information about these departments, visit www.peoriaaz.gov.