By Sam Kmack | Arizona Republic
Tempe got a new city manager for the first time in a decade when Rosa Inchausti was tapped for the spot in June, a move lauded by those who say she “gets things done” and criticized by others who have concerns about the rushed appointment process, her record high salary and Inchausti’s conduct over her 30 year career.
The city manager spot is similar to a private sector CEO, while the City Council is akin to a board of directors. Elected officials dictate the city’s direction, sometimes with input from the manager, who then directs the implementation of those policies while overseeing the day-to-day function of city departments and services.
Inchausti is the first woman to fill that role in Tempe. The 55-year-old was born in Florida to Cuban immigrants and grew up in Bell, California, a small town just south of Los Angeles. She moved to Tempe after receiving her master’s degree in counseling from Northern Arizona University in 1992.
City insiders are divided about what it will mean for Tempe now that Inchausti is at the helm.
In her 30 years at City Hall, Inchausti has amassed supporters and opponents. Her fans describe an effective, competent leader who tackles tough problems and gets things done. Her detractors object to what they consider her overbearing management style, and call her effectiveness superficial.
