Man and Woman of the Year

woman of the year, 2019

Mary Cameli

Mary Cameli began her career as a firefighter in 1983 with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department and was one of the first females hired by Mesa Fire Department. She held each rank in the organization including 11 years as Assistant Chief, prior to being selected as Fire Chief of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department in November 2016.

Mary received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary and Physical Education and holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. She has been actively involved in community and professional organizations for many years. Mary is a Past President of the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) and is currently the Metro Section representative for the Board.

She is Past Chair of the Child Crisis Arizona Board and has served the past fourteen years with Mesa Sunrise Rotary holding the position of president in 2012. She is currently Vice Chair of the Community Bridges Board, Vice Chair of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Board and serves on the International CPSE Board (Center for Public Safety Excellence).

Mary continues to stay very active in the community and volunteers her personal time to help and be involved with many volunteer operations within the community. An Executive at Child Crisis Arizona remarked, “I have seen firsthand the deep commitment of Mary’s volunteerism on behalf of the children and families in the community. She has a passion to ensure that the health and welfare of children is first and foremost a priority and truly stands up in the fight against child abuse & neglect.” She is married to Mike and has five daughters and four grandchildren.

Activities & Affiliations

• Community Bridges Board, Vice Chair

• International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), Board Vice Chair Board

• International Center for Public Safety Excellence, (CPSE), Board Member

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Rich Adams is a long-time resident of Mesa. He is President and CEO of Southwest Business Credit Services, an organization specializing in business credit information and professional education.

Rich is a well-regarded civic volunteer and leader. One of his colleagues noted that he is always willing to assume leadership positions, stating that “I have never seen Rich on any Board that he did not assume some sort of leadership role and where he did not give his all for the betterment of the effort”.

Rich is a graduate of Valley Leadership Class XXI and Mesa Leadership Class of 1989. He served as Chairman of the City of Mesa Falcon Area Visioning Commission and is a member and Past Chairman of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board. He is a Past Chairman of the City of Mesa Planning & Zoning Board. He is currently serving as a member of the Mesa United Way Board and is the Chair of the Visit Mesa Board of Directors. Rich has three adult children, as well as 3 grandchildren.

Activities & Affiliations

• Mesa United Way Board, Member

• Visit Mesa Board of Directors, Chair

• City of Mesa Falcon Area Visioning Commission, Chairman

• City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, Member & Past Chairman

• City of Mesa Planning & Zoning Board, Past Chairman