Getting to Know: Danielle Casey

Danielle Casey is a Management Assistant II in the city manager’s office in Maricopa. inmaricopa.com recently spoke with her to learn more about her job, what a typical day is like for her, and where she sees the city going.

85239: Talk a little bit about your job, what you’re responsible for, etc.?

Casey: Generally, a management assistant does exactly what it sounds like – they assist in management related tasks, such as performing research and managing programs and projects for various departments. My position has evolved through time, and I have worn a number of hats. At one point I was the public information contact, the addressor, the economic development assistant, the drafter of various personnel policies and procedures, and a manager of a variety of other tasks such as arranging the Governor’s visit event to training new hires and general supervision. My duties have evolved to a concentration in the economic development arena as we have been fortunate enough to fill positions, such as the public affairs manager position. At the same time under Dr. Ioanna Morfessis’ expertise and guidance we’ve expanded our economic development toolkit, and participation and representation of Maricopa on a truly regional and national level in organizations like the Arizona Association for Economic Development, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and the International Economic Development Council.

85239: What is a ‘typical’ day like for you on the job?

Casey: A typical day runs from about 7:40 a.m. until about 6 p.m. or later, depending on if there is an evening meeting scheduled. My tasks for the day can range from responding to an economic development prospect inquiry, providing updated data to developers we are already working with in Maricopa, constantly researching and revising our economic development materials, sending out an E-newsletter, working with our branding consultants, attending a Maricopa Chamber of Commerce board meeting or a meeting at GPEC, and maybe doing some general management research such as analysis on needs and equipment options for a new postage meter that will serve all departments at the City. Throw in a few more meetings and about 80 various emails to be sorted through and answered and there you have it.

85239: What attracted you to working in Maricopa?

Casey: I think my main attraction to the position was the amazing chance to serve the very community in which I live and apply my skills to helping build something that will be here even after I am long retired.

85239: At the end of the day what is the best/most challenging thing about working for the city?

Casey: The best thing about working for the City of Maricopa is knowing that every day I have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of this wonderful community. The biggest challenge in that is realizing that some things take time. The people I work with – the amazing team that I am lucky enough to be a part of – make working for the City hugely rewarding every day. Every one of them comes to work every day in order to provide this community with the highest level of service possible.

85239: If you had a vision for what Maricopa would look like two to three years from now, what would it be?

Casey: In two to three years, I would like to see continued progress toward realizing Maricopa’s vision of sustainable development and growth. I hope to see the attraction of companies and jobs through the encouragement and development of business and industrial parks, and plans for developing downtown into a true pedestrian-friendly live/work/play atmosphere will likely be in place and beginning development. Most of all, I would like to see Maricopa ever-moving toward the ideals that have been brought forth by community members as part of the branding process. Frequently mentioned values have included sustainability, family-friendliness, and a retention of Maricopa’s history and old town values while embracing innovative growth and development.