San Tan Valley took a major step toward independence on December 3, 2025, when the town council appointed Brent Billingsley as the community’s first town manager. He will begin work on December 15, 2025, giving the newly incorporated town just over six months to prepare for its July 1, 2026 operational deadline. Billingsley brings over 30 years of public and private sector experience to Arizona’s newest municipality.
What This Means for Residents
The appointment fills a critical leadership gap as San Tan Valley races to establish essential services. Starting July 1, 2026, Pinal County will no longer be required to provide police protection, street maintenance, permitting, and zoning enforcement to the community. Billingsley will lead the effort to build out these services before the deadline.
Mayor Daren Schnepf expressed confidence in the selection. “I think he’s ready to go on day one with his experience,” he said. “Brent being local here in the community, he understands the community. He understands the system that we have within the Town of San Tan Valley.”
According to Mayor Schnepf, Billingsley has contributed directly to infrastructure, planning, and development agreements in San Tan Valley through his county role. Schnepf suggested this familiarity should help accelerate the transition.
San Tan Valley Town Manager Selection Process
Town Attorney Allen Quist outlined the two-phase recruitment process that led to Billingsley’s selection. In the first phase, the town retained a professional recruitment firm—previously identified as Interim Public Management—for an exclusive 30-day search. This firm provided an initial pool of candidates.
However, the council wanted to cast a wider net. Therefore, a second phase ran from November 1 to November 15. The town advertised the opening on the Arizona League of Cities and Towns website. The opening was also announced at the November 5 town council meeting.
In total, the town received 21 applications for the position. The council conducted six interviews before selecting Billingsley as their finalist. Councilmember Rupert Wolfert made the motion to appoint him, and the council approved it without opposition.
Billingsley’s Municipal Leadership Background
Billingsley’s career spans nearly three decades in government and public service:
- Community Development Director, Pinal County (February 2022–present)
- Town Manager, Town of Florence (December 2015–present)
- City Manager, City of Globe (January 2013–December 2015)
- Development Services Director, City of Maricopa (November 2005–December 2012)
- Project Manager, PBS&J, Denver Metropolitan Area (September 2001–November 2005)
- Deputy Director, Central Arizona Association of Governments (1998–2001)
- Transportation Planner, Pinal County (1996–1998)
According to Mayor Schnepf, this background gives Billingsley experience managing municipal operations including water and wastewater utilities, public works, planning, finance, human resources, and economic development.
New Town Manager Speaks to Council
Billingsley addressed the council after his appointment, acknowledging the work ahead. “I got the chills when I was sitting there in the chair,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve dedicated my life to public service.”
He emphasized both the challenge and opportunity facing the new town. “I am truly honored and humbled by your decision,” Billingsley told the council. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work. It’s gonna get even more difficult. But my hope is that we will have a lot of fun doing it.”
Furthermore, he spoke about building something lasting for the community. “We’ll create something that generations in the future will look to and appreciate,” he added.
Billingsley also noted his deep Arizona roots. His family homesteaded in Congress, Arizona, in the 1800s. His children are sixth-generation Arizonans.
Employment Contract Structure
The council approved an employee staffing agreement with Educational Services LLC, also known as ESI. Under this arrangement, ESI will serve as Billingsley’s formal employer while he performs town manager duties for the town. This structure allows San Tan Valley to bring on experienced leadership while the newly incorporated municipality continues building its own administrative systems.
Mayor Schnepf was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the town.
