Photo courtesy of City of Maricopa
By Bea Lueck | Grande Living
Nancy Smith was appointed to replace former Maricopa Mayor Christian Price in August 2022 after she’d served eight years on the City Council. She’s now preparing to run for election to that office as she and the City pursue several forward-looking projects.
Grande LIVING: So give us a quick overview of Nancy Smith. Where were you born and raised, and how did you end up in Maricopa?
Nancy Smith: I was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, went to a local college and was the first female to receive their degree in electronic technology. I then interviewed with Motorola and was offered a position in either Schaumburg, Illinois or Phoenix, Arizona and chose Phoenix.
I spent 40 years with Motorola in the military division and worked project management on various projects including the space station project.
My husband Tony and I lived in Chandler and we had a friend who actually designed the Duke golf course. When discussing the possibility of moving, he said to us, “Well, you really ought to give Maricopa a chance. I think it’s going to be a great community.”
When we visited the unincorporated Maricopa, we fell in love with being able to see the stars and decided to move out here to Rancho El Dorado in 2003, right before the City incorporated.
