Councilmember Rich Adams
District 1 - Northwest Mesa
Elected to the Mesa City Council in November of 2024, Councilmember Rich Adams began his first term representing District 1 beginning in January of 2025. His term on the Council runs until January of 2029.
Among Councilmember Adams’ priorities are public safety, fiscal responsibility, transparency in government and keeping the City in its lane as outlined in our City Charter. In District 1, he is focused on safe and vibrant neighborhoods, managing infill development, supporting local businesses and being responsive to the citizens.
Rich has resided in Mesa since the summer of 1963 when his father retired from the US Army. He is a grateful alumnus of Mesa Public Schools and a graduate of Westwood High.
An active volunteer in Mesa for over 35 years, Rich cites his experience in the Mesa Leadership Class of 1989 as the beginning of a long journey of service to his community. He previously chaired the City of Mesa Falcon Area Visioning Commission, the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, the City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board, Visit Mesa Board of Directors, and was a member of the Mesa General Plan Committee. Rich completed Valley Leadership Class XXI and is a past Director of the Arizona Society of Association Executives. A strong advocate for public safety, Rich is grateful to have participated in the inaugural class of the Mesa Fire & Medical Department Citizens Fire Academy in 2018, as well as the Mesa Police Department Citizens Police Academy Class 61.
In the fall of 2019, Rich was named Mesa Citizen of the Year, an honor he attributes to his father’s example of service. In October 2021 the International Economic Development Council presented Rich with the Citizen Leadership Award, a distinct honor for Mesa.
Currently, he is a member of the Rotary Club of Phoenix, and an avid supporter of Scouting. Rich is the Chartered Organization representative for Mesa-based Troop and Pack 653, Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Professionally, he is President and CEO of a regional trade association founded in 1883. He is a founding Director of Gateway Commercial Bank of Mesa, Arizona, and has over 40 years’ experience in business management and commercial credit management. He holds the Certified Credit Executive (CCE), Certified Credit Professional (CCP) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) designations.
Rich and his sweetheart Karen have been together many years and have five adult children and four grandchildren between them. Karen, family and faith are Rich’s most important treasures. He enjoys backpacking, snow skiing, camping, and especially spending time with his grandkids.
Council Committees
- Economic Development Committee, Chairperson
- Public Safety Committee
- Sustainability & Transportation Committee
Arizona Boards & Committees
- Arizona Museum of Natural History Board