March 28, 2022 – PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors did a nationwide search but ultimately came back home in choosing a new county manager. The Board appointed assistant county manager Jen Pokorski to lead the organization after a national recruitment and several rounds of interviews. Pokorski will replace Joy Rich, who is retiring effective April 7.
“Jen is a tremendous leader who has a passion for solving problems efficiently and with deep care and concern for the people involved,” said Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “We’ve seen that in the way she led Planning and Development through the transition to 100% online permitting, in her direct interaction with residents as head of the Ombudsman’s Office, and most recently, as an assistant county manager. Jen’s experience and temperament make her a great fit for this role.”
Jen Pokorski has been part of the Maricopa County family since 2005. In her current role, she manages seven departments that have direct interaction with the public including Air Quality, Animal Care and Control, Environmental Services, Flood Control District, Planning and Development, Real Estate, and Transportation (MCDOT). Prior to that, Jen served as director of Planning and Development and director of the Ombudsman’s Office.
“It is an honor to continue my service to Maricopa County in this new role,” said Pokorski. “I believe in the power of government to do good because I’ve seen firsthand the impact our services and programs have. I also believe government must be responsive and accountable to residents because I’ve worked directly with folks whose lives are impacted by our action or inaction. Those things will never be far from my mind as I work to carry out the Board’s vision for Maricopa County.”
At a public meeting Monday, supervisors expressed confidence in Pokorski and gratitude for Rich’s three decades of public service, including nearly seven years as county manager.
The Maricopa County Manager is responsible for more than 40 county departments and works to implement the vision of the elected Board of Supervisors, which includes being responsible and efficient with county tax dollars, creating safe and healthy communities, and improving quality of life for all residents through county programs and services. The county manager reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.