Gilbert, Arizona Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gilbert, Arizona has 5 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, public communications, human resources, data operations, and organizational leadership.

Committed to providing essential local government services, Gilbert, Arizona maintains a focus on operational excellence, utility management, and community development to ensure high-quality living standards for all residents.

Leadership Roles at Gilbert, Arizona

  • Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer - Hakon Johanson
  • President - Lisa Rigler
  • Chief Communications Officer - Kandice Kwan
  • Interim Deputy Chief People Officer - Melissa Boillot
  • Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations - Kristen Drew
  • Hakon Johanson - Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer

    Hakon Johanson, the Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer at Gilbert, Arizona, manages the fiscal health of the municipality. Overseeing budget allocation, revenue collection, and utility service funding, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term economic stability for the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with city departments to optimize resource distribution and maintain transparent financial reporting. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, Johanson secures the integrity of public funds. The Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer also evaluates investment strategies to support infrastructure projects across Maricopa County. Through precise financial planning, Johanson drives the fiscal sustainability required for effective local government operations. This position demands constant monitoring of economic indicators to adjust spending patterns, thereby protecting the taxpayer interests while funding critical city services and maintaining the financial foundation of the entire municipal organization.
    Hakon Johanson

    Lisa Rigler - President

    Lisa Rigler, the President at Gilbert, Arizona, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire municipal organization. Overseeing the alignment of city services with the long-term vision for the region, the President ensures that departments like utility services and court administration function cohesively. This role involves representing the city in high-level partnerships and regional planning initiatives. By setting the tone for organizational culture, Rigler drives a commitment to public service excellence. The President also facilitates communication between the city administration and external stakeholders to promote economic development. Lisa Rigler evaluates the impact of government policies on the community to ensure that the city remains responsive to resident needs. Through decisive leadership and a focus on sustainable growth, the President secures the future of the municipality. This position requires balancing immediate operational requirements with the broader strategic goals necessary for maintaining the city as a premier location for business and living.
    Lisa Rigler

    Kandice Kwan - Chief Communications Officer

    Kandice Kwan, the Chief Communications Officer at Gilbert, Arizona, directs all public outreach and community engagement initiatives. Managing the flow of information between the city administration and the public, the Chief Communications Officer ensures transparency regarding business licenses, court services, and utility updates. This role involves crafting messaging strategies that reach diverse demographics across the region. By utilizing digital platforms and traditional media, Kwan maintains a consistent brand identity for the municipality. The Chief Communications Officer also coordinates crisis communication protocols to keep residents informed during emergencies. Kandice Kwan actively monitors public sentiment to refine engagement tactics and improve civic participation. Through strategic storytelling and clear dissemination of government policy, the Chief Communications Officer fosters trust between the city and the community. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the reputation of the city while ensuring that every resident understands the services available within the local government framework.
    Kandice Kwan

    Melissa Boillot - Interim Deputy Chief People Officer

    Melissa Boillot, the Interim Deputy Chief People Officer at Gilbert, Arizona, oversees talent acquisition and workforce development for the municipal staff. Managing the human capital needs of the city, the Interim Deputy Chief People Officer ensures that departments remain fully staffed to provide essential services like court administration and utility management. This role involves designing training programs that enhance employee performance and retention. By aligning personnel policies with city goals, Boillot supports a productive work environment. The Interim Deputy Chief People Officer also facilitates conflict resolution and promotes workplace equity across all government sectors. Melissa Boillot collaborates with other executive leaders to identify future staffing requirements based on regional growth trends. Through effective management of the workforce, the Interim Deputy Chief People Officer drives organizational efficiency. This position requires a deep understanding of labor regulations and municipal requirements to ensure that the city maintains a high standard of professional service for the public.

    Kristen Drew - Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations

    Kristen Drew, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations at Gilbert, Arizona, architects the analytical framework for human resources and internal operations. Overseeing the integration of data-driven decision-making into personnel management, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations ensures that staffing metrics align with the operational demands of city services. This role involves managing complex databases to track employee productivity and departmental efficiency. By leveraging data analytics, Drew identifies trends that inform hiring strategies and resource allocation. The Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations also streamlines internal processes to reduce administrative overhead. Kristen Drew works closely with the executive team to implement technological solutions that improve the delivery of government services. Through the application of rigorous data standards, the Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations enhances the overall effectiveness of the municipal workforce. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining operational agility in a rapidly growing region.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gilbert, Arizona Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gilbert, Arizona?
    Gilbert, Arizona is led by Hakon Johanson (Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Lisa Rigler (President) and Kandice Kwan (Chief Communications Officer).
    Who is part of Gilbert, Arizona’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gilbert, Arizona includes leaders such as Hakon Johanson (Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer), Lisa Rigler (President), Kandice Kwan (Chief Communications Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gilbert, Arizona have?
    Gilbert, Arizona has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gilbert, Arizona’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gilbert, Arizona includes roles such as Director, Finance Management Services & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Communications Officer, Interim Deputy Chief People Officer, Deputy Chief People Officer, Data & Operations.