Maricopa Names Katy Proctor as Next Deputy City Manager

Published on November 12, 2026

Following a nationwide search, the City of Maricopa has selected Katy Proctor, the City's current Intergovernmental Affairs Director, to serve as its next Deputy City Manager.

Since joining the City, Proctor has quickly distinguished herself as an effective leader, trusted advisor and tireless advocate for Maricopa. Her extensive experience in intergovernmental relations, public safety, emergency management and the courts, combined with her ability to navigate complex challenges and build productive partnerships, made her a standout candidate for the position. 

Proctor has played an important role in advancing several of the City's priorities, including supporting Mayor and Council's efforts to move the long-awaited State Route 347 widening project forward. Her ability to bring people and agencies together, find solutions and turn priorities into progress has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the organization. 

"Katy has made an extraordinary impression in a relatively short time," said Mayor Nancy Smith. "She has a remarkable ability to understand complicated issues, build relationships and get things done. Just as importantly, she's a natural leader who earns people's trust. We're fortunate to have someone of her caliber helping lead our organization." 

In her new role, Proctor will oversee several key City functions, including the Maricopa Police Department, emergency management and the City's court operations, while continuing to play a central role in intergovernmental affairs.

Proctor brings more than 25 years of experience in state and municipal government, including significant work in public safety and the judicial system. She served as Government Liaison for the Arizona Department of Public Safety from 2012 to 2014, directing the agency's legislative affairs and legislative agenda. Before that, she served as Legislative Officer for the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts, where she directed legislative affairs and secured grant funding for the John R. Justice program, which supports student loan repayment assistance for eligible prosecutors and public defenders. 

Her experience also extends to shaping public safety policy at the national level. While serving as Majority Research Staff Director for the Arizona House of Representatives, Proctor was selected as Staff Vice-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and served on its Cybersecurity Task Force. That background, combined with her extensive experience working across government agencies, will be particularly valuable as she takes on oversight of the Maricopa Police Department and the City's court operations. 

For Proctor, the opportunity represents more than a professional milestone. It's a chance to continue making a difference in a community she has come to care deeply about. 

"Maricopa is a special place, and I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to help make it even better," said Proctor. "We have dedicated employees, strong leadership and a community with an incredible future ahead of it. I'm grateful for the trust that's been placed in me, and I look forward to working alongside this team to make a positive difference in people's lives every day." 

Proctor's promotion will also help ensure continuity in the City's intergovernmental efforts. She will oversee the recruitment of her successor as Intergovernmental Affairs Director and provide guidance to help maintain the relationships and momentum established under her leadership. 

"One of Katy's greatest strengths is her ability to bring people together around a common goal," said City Manager Benjamin Bitter. "That kind of leadership is invaluable in a growing city like Maricopa. We're excited to see her take on this expanded role and continue helping our community move forward." 

Proctor holds a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, with an emphasis in criminal justice.

And while her passion for public service is undeniable, there's one thing that might rival it: hockey. 

As an enthusiastic youth and high school ice hockey coach with several years of coaching experience, Proctor brings the same competitive spirit, teamwork and dedication to developing others that have defined her professional career. 

Proctor's appointment reflects the City's commitment to building a strong leadership team capable of meeting the needs of one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities.