W. Scott Anderson - Town of Gilbert - Mayor
W. Scott Anderson has been part of the Gilbert community since 1988, when the town was home to just 20,000 people. He felt at home immediately, thanks to Gilbert’s welcoming spirit, strong sense of community, and excellent schools—qualities that drew families in and fueled the town’s steady growth.
With a background in planning, Scott built his career around preserving Gilbert’s quality of life. Today, as Mayor, he continues that mission with a focus on sustainability and creating a future where generations to come can enjoy the same sense of place that welcomed him decades ago.
Outside of his leadership role, Scott’s interests are as unique as they are meaningful. He collects ancient pottery, studies prehistoric life, and helped shape one of Gilbert’s most beloved spaces: the Riparian Preserve. His passion for that project turned it into a point of pride for the town—a place where families gather and memories are made.
His insider tip? Don’t miss the Riparian Observatory, the Valley’s only public observatory. His advice: act well in your role—we all have one.
Patrick S. Banger, Town of Gilbert - Town Manager
Patrick S. Banger, Gilbert’s Town Manager since 2010, has spent the past 14 years helping guide one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. Originally from Iowa, Patrick grew up on the move, relocating every few years due to his father’s 30-year career in the Navy. Today, he and his wife, Belinda, are proud to call Gilbert home, along with two of their three daughters who live in the area. Their youngest will be a senior in college this fall.
From his very first day in Gilbert, Patrick “jumped in” to serve the town with dedication and purpose—and he felt embraced by the community from day one. His love of public service emerged from a journey of discovering his strengths and passions, ultimately leading him to a fulfilling career in city management. Managing a town of nearly 300,000 isn’t without challenges, but for Patrick, it’s about doing meaningful work that serves generations to come.
He’s passionate about preserving Gilbert’s exceptional quality of life and believes it takes more than just good government—it takes everyone. Residents, businesses, schools, churches, and hospitals all play a role in shaping Gilbert’s future.
In his spare time (what little there is), Patrick enjoys astronomy, ancient civilizations, English Bulldogs, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders—while taking every opportunity to tease former Mayor John Lewis about his San Francisco Giants fandom.
You might spot him at Liberty Market, Garage East Farm Winery, or catching a show at Hale Theater. As for the best advice he never took? “Eat your vegetables.” He still stands by his logic: “Cows eat vegetables, and I eat cows.”
His advice to others: Do great work, and greater opportunities will follow.
Eduardo Medina - Founder of Origen
Eduardo is more than a chef and entrepreneur—he’s a purpose-driven leader who believes in the power of food to bring people together and the power of persistence to fuel meaningful change. Rooted in his Yucatán heritage, Eduardo has built restaurants that feel like home and created spaces where community thrives. Since opening Origen in Gilbert, his impact has extended far beyond the kitchen. He’s donated thousands of meals, mentored young entrepreneurs, and continues to lead with humility, grit, and heart.
His advice? Embrace persistence, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who push you to grow. That’s how real impact is made.
Martin Hurtado - Founder of Origen and Blu Seafood
Martin Hurtado is a builder at heart—of businesses, teams, and opportunities. After studying accounting at ASU, he shifted from construction to hospitality and now runs several purpose-driven restaurants across the Valley. His Gilbert journey began with Origen and Blu Seafood, where he felt an immediate sense of community. Martin believes in leading with empathy, learning through patience, and helping others find their voice. A childhood lesson he once dismissed—“Be patient, good things take time”—has become a guiding principle.
His advice today? Lead with empathy and purpose. People remember how you made them feel—so build with care, vision, and heart.
Dr. Shane McCord - Superintendent Gilbert Schools
Dr. Shane McCord has spent 30 years in public education, with roots that began in Gilbert when he student taught at Val Vista Lakes Elementary. That experience taught him the value of embracing the community you serve. Originally a business major, Shane changed course after visiting his wife Kristin’s kindergarten classroom—discovering his true calling in education. Family is at the center of his life, and time with Kristin, their sons Ryan and Sean, and their partners means everything. They love concerts, baseball games, and trips to the lake. “We try not to take life too seriously,” Shane says. He’s passionate about people, relationships, and embracing kindness. “Each day we grow further apart. We need to set aside our differences and remember that without each other, we would be nothing.” He believes strong communities are built on genuine connection and mutual respect.
His local favorite? Origen restaurant. “The food, the team, the atmosphere—it all blew me away,” he says.
His advice: “Be kind. Be genuine.”
Blake Katsnelson - Chief Operations Officer for Gila River Resorts & Casinos
Blake Katsnelson is a proud husband, father, and first-generation American whose family immigrated from Belarus in search of a better life. He and his wife found their forever home in Gilbert, drawn to its welcoming community and strong schools. As Chief Operations Officer for Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Blake has spent 16 years helping lead an organization focused on service and impact. He’s passionate about mentoring youth, supporting local initiatives, and creating opportunities for others.
His favorite local gem? Regal Gilbert at Town Square. His belief: true leadership is about building trust, inspiring growth, and always putting people first.
Darin Roberge - President of Motorwerks Companies
Darin Roberge, president of Motorwerks Companies, blends passion, creativity, and grit across five automotive-focused brands—including marketing, charity, and event production. A Gilbert resident since 2010, he jumped into community life early by joining his HOA board and shaping his neighborhood with purpose. Born into a motorsports family, Darin turned his lifelong love of “cool things on wheels” into a successful business. He’s also a devoted boxer, drawn to its discipline and honest self-assessment.
His advice? Listen more than you speak, stay focused on what matters, and remember—anything worthwhile takes real effort, start to finish. No shortcuts.
Adam Baugh - Partner at Withey Morris, PLC
For Adam Baugh, building relationships rooted in likability and trust is the foundation of success—in business, community, and life. A dedicated Gilbert resident and attorney, Adam’s journey into civic leadership began when he joined the boards of the Gilbert Community Action Network and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Those roles opened the door to meaningful connections and inspired a deeper commitment to community engagement.
Originally from out of state, Adam came to Arizona for law school with dreams of becoming an immigration attorney. But a pivotal internship with the Mayor of Phoenix changed everything. After watching a zoning attorney in action, Adam found his calling and never looked back.
He now channels his passion into mentorship as well, particularly through the Student Entrepreneurs Group with the Gilbert Chamber. “Every high school student should take a class in this,” he says, emphasizing how empowering it is to nurture young talent and innovation.
When it comes to hidden gems, Adam swears by Mugsy Dogs—the Rachel Dog, onion rings, and chocolate chip cookie are his go-to picks.
A powerful piece of advice he’s come to live by: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Adam’s message to the community? Focus less on personal gain and more on serving others. He believes that genuine service and showing up for others has been the greatest accelerator in both his career and his life. In a world driven by self-promotion, Adam’s leadership is a reminder that making an impact starts with kindness, connection, and a willingness to give more than you take.