FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Flagstaff Mayor and City Council have officially appointed Joanne Keene as the new City Manager. Keene, who was selected after an open and competitive recruitment process, will assume the role effective November 4.
Mayor Becky Daggett praised the appointment, stating, “Joanne is a proven leader with deep roots in Flagstaff. The City Council was unanimous and enthusiastic in our belief that she is the right person to lead our City. Her selection from a pool of 34 qualified candidates speaks to her track record, skills, and new ideas about the future direction of our City. Please join me in welcoming Joanne to this new role.”
Keene brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across city, county, federal, and higher education roles. She has previously served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Flagstaff, Deputy City Manager for the City of Sedona, Deputy County Manager for Coconino County, and Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Northern Arizona University.
An International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager, Keene is recognized for her dedication to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and effective communication. She holds both a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in English and broadcast journalism from Northern Arizona University.
In addition to her professional work, Keene remains active in the community, serving on several local boards and committees, including the Mountain Line Technical Advisory Committee, Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Committee, and the Coconino Community College Foundation Board. She is also a Flinn-Brown Fellow.
Keene and her husband, John, have called Flagstaff home for more than two decades. Outside of work, they enjoy exploring local trails with their rescue dog, Mabel.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Keene said, “I am honored to serve as Flagstaff’s City Manager and deeply appreciate the Council’s trust and confidence in me. As a long-time resident of Flagstaff, I care deeply about this community and its people. I’m excited to work with council and alongside our staff and community to make Flagstaff an even better place to live, work, and thrive.”
