Inside San Tan Valley’s Historic Incorporation: New Council Members and Their Priorities

Historic Vote Makes San Tan Valley the Largest Incorporation in State History

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors made history on September 17, 2025, by formally approving the incorporation of San Tan Valley and appointing the community’s first seven-member town council. The board unanimously approved the incorporation resolution, officially establishing Arizona’s newest municipality after community efforts dating back to 2010, with the formal legal process beginning in April 2023, when petitioners filed notice of intent to incorporate.

According to attorney Allen Quist of Pierce Coleman law firm, who joined the incorporation committee about 18 months ago and began assisting on a pro bono basis after attorney Katie Bigelow passed away, the milestone “marks the creation of the first new municipality in the state over the past decade, and the largest incorporation in Arizona’s history. Likely one of the largest incorporations in our nation.”

While the incorporation becomes official immediately, the newly appointed council must hold their first meeting within 20 days to select a mayor. Pinal County will continue providing services through June 30, 2026, giving the new town time to establish operations.

Selection Process Draws 86 Applicants

The board selected seven council members from 86 applicants through a competitive process. About seven candidates emerged with consensus overlap among all five supervisors, while Chairman Miller and Supervisor Goodman formed a subcommittee to select an additional seven candidates for interviews. Thirteen finalists were ultimately interviewed in a public session on Monday, September 15. All candidates were confirmed to meet basic requirements including one-year residency within the new town boundaries, voter registration, and background checks.

Supervisor Mike Goodman, who represents much of the San Tan Valley area, reflected on the historic opportunity for residents, quoting 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks: “Great moments are born from great opportunities… And that’s what the residents of San Tan Valley have earned here today.”

The board selected council members through individual votes for each seat, with appointments requiring at least three votes. While some appointments received unanimous support, others involved split votes as supervisors prioritized different candidates.

The Inaugural Town Council

The board appointed these seven residents to serve until the 2026 Primary Election on August 4, 2026:

• Bryan Hunt
• Rupert Wolfert
• Brian Tyler
• Daren Schnepf
• Gia Jenkins
• Daniel Oakes
• Tyler Hudgins

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Meet the Inaugural Council Members

Councilmember Daren Schnepf

Previous Experience

• Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Pinal County — nearly 5 years (Dec 2020–present)
• Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Pinal County — 3 years (2017–2020)
• Water Utility Manager, H2O Inc. — 11 years (2002–2013), managed operations and regulatory reporting (ADEQ, DWR, ACC)
• Small Business Owner (IT Consulting) — 7 years (2000–2007, concurrent with water utility role)
• MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management; BS, Computer Information Systems, DeVry University
• Community Involvement: 22-year San Tan Valley resident; participated in Plan San Tan Area Plan and 2018 incorporation effort

Priorities

• Council Organization — Appoint mayor and vice mayor from inaugural council
• Town Leadership — Hire legal counsel, manager, and clerk
• General Plan — Adopt county plan as San Tan Valley’s first
• Roads & Safety — Form intergovernmental agreements for road maintenance and police services
• Shared Revenues — Secure state funding through League of AZ Cities and Towns

Councilmember Tyler Hudgins

Previous Experience

• Owner, SocialTech Consulting (2013–2020) – Founded and managed small business providing web and media services
• Chairman, Gilbert Redevelopment Commission (2016–2020) – Helped craft Gilbert’s 10-year Downtown Redevelopment Plan
• Arizona Director, Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (2021–2023) – Built partnerships among faith and civic leaders
• Communications Aide, City of Phoenix (2014–2023) – Supported councilmember with communications and public engagement
• Chairman, San Tan Valley Incorporation Committee (2023–2025) – Led effort that successfully incorporated the town
• Director of Young Adults, Ironwood Church (2024–present) – Provides leadership, teaching, and community care
• Education – Master of Arts in Missional Theology, Missional Training Center/Calvin Theological Seminary (2025)

Priorities

• Strong Governance – Establish Town Manager, Clerk, and operating procedures before July 2026 handoff
• Secure Revenues – Obtain state shared revenues to fund essential services
• Transparency & Voice – Create citizen committees and ensure resident input in decisions
• Early Infrastructure & Safety – Address roads, public safety, and planning needs from the start

Councilmember Brian Tyler

Previous Experience

• Principal Applications Analyst, Town of Queen Creek (2022–present) – Leads municipal utility projects, secures infrastructure grants, and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives
• Product Specialist, Core & Main (7 months, 2022) – Brief tenure representing municipal water solutions
• Meter Services Lead-Supervisor, City of Chandler (2013–2022) – Managed staff, training programs, budgets, and customer service
• 15+ years in municipal utilities – Specialized in AMR/AMI meter systems and software implementation
• Community Involvement – Youth sports coach; motivated by challenges finding local facilities; early volunteer in incorporation efforts

Priorities

• Hire Key Leadership – Select experienced Town Manager and Attorney to build government foundation
• Establish a Budget – Fund current services and plan for growth
• Public Safety – Explore contracting with Rural Metro Fire, a key incorporation driver
• Problem-Solving Approach – Focus on listening, building relationships, and delivering practical solutions

Councilmember Bryan Hunt

Previous Experience

• Learning & Development Manager, Pinal County (2024–present) – Leads leadership development, onboarding, and workplace culture programs across county departments
• Continuous Improvement Manager, Dot Foods – Directed Lean/Six Sigma projects, achieving over $200,000 in annual cost savings
• Job Coach Trainer, Deseret Industries – Helped adults re-enter the workforce through training, mentoring, and job placement support
• Business Owner, The Artisan Shoppe (San Tan Valley) – Founded and managed a small business with a strong community reputation
• Education & Certifications – B.A. in Mass Communication (Idaho State University), Six Sigma Black Belt, OSHA 30 Certified
• Community Service – Eagle Scout and 30+ years of volunteer leadership in church and civic projects, mentoring youth and supporting families

Priorities

• Establish Town Government – Appoint mayor, staff leadership, and set up essential operations quickly
• Honor Commitments – Audit contracts, ensure obligations are met, and manage limited startup funds responsibly
• Public Safety & Services – Secure contracts for law enforcement, roads, and community development within budget
• Transparency & Trust – Hold open meetings, encourage citizen participation, and govern with accountability

Councilmember Gia Jenkins

Previous Experience

• Accountant/Accounting Supervisor, City of Maricopa (2020–present) – Supervises staff, leads capital asset and process improvement projects; experienced in municipal finance, including shared revenues, sales tax, and development impact fees.
• Senior Accountant, Pinal County Emergency Management (2018–2019) – Managed grants and financial reporting; supported disaster planning and response.
• Accountant, State of Arizona (2013–2020) – Roles with ADOT and ADOA in project accounting, compliance, and budget analysis.
• Volunteer, STV Inc. – Assisted San Tan Valley’s successful incorporation effort as Notary Public and signature gatherer.
• Professional Credentials – Member of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA); certified in sales tax auditing (AZDOR).
• Government Service & Education – Over 13 years in state, county, and municipal roles; holds a Master of Public Administration in Government & Policy (Grand Canyon University, 2023) and a BS in Business Administration & Project Management (University of Phoenix, 2001).

Priorities

• Town Leadership – Hire a Town Manager and Town Clerk to establish professional governance.
• Set City Code – Create foundational code and policies with clear goals and timelines for readiness by July 2026.

Councilmember Rupert Wolfert

Previous Experience

• Dept. of Veterans Affairs – Program Specialist, HR & program analysis (2024–present)
• FEMA – Disaster response & survivor assistance, 2.5 years (2023–2025)
• Social Security Administration – Policy adjudication & community service, 4.5 years (2019–2023)
• U.S. Army, First Lieutenant – Human Resources Officer, 3.5 years, honorable service (2007–2011)
• Education – Master’s in Leadership & Management (ASU Thunderbird); Master’s in Public Administration & Policy (American Univ.); Master’s in Education (Harvard Univ.)

Priorities

• Roads & Infrastructure – Upgrade roads, traffic flow, long-term planning
• Managed Growth – Balance development with town character
• Public Safety – Reliable, community-focused law enforcement
• Town Governance – Build staffing, systems, and processes
• Economic Development – Attract diverse businesses and jobs
• Recreation – Parks, youth programs, community centers

Councilmember Daniel Oakes

Previous Experience

• Director, Arizona Family Institute – Leads team of 13 therapists
• Licensed Counselor (MEd, LPC) – Advanced clinical certifications (CSAT, CCSOT)
• Clinical Director, A New Leaf – Oversaw youth and family services
• Faith & Community Leadership – Served as bishop, stake president, mission president
• Resident since 2004 – 21 years in San Tan Valley

Priorities

• Fiscal Stability – Responsible budgeting, sustainability
• Local Business Growth – Attract and support employers
• Balanced Growth – Economic expansion with community identity
• Public Safety – Safe neighborhoods and strong services
• Family Support – Services that strengthen connection

The new council will be ceremonially sworn in Thursday, September 25, at 6 p.m. at Central Arizona College’s San Tan Campus (3736 Bella Vista Road, Room STC A100 & A101 Community Room, San Tan Valley). Their first official meeting must occur within 20 days to select a mayor and vice mayor and pass foundational resolutions for Arizona’s newest municipality.