Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien Named to Arizona Capitol Times' 2025 Women Achievers List

The Arizona Capitol Times has selected Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien for its “2025 Women Achievers of Arizona” awardee list in the Government and Public Service category. The annual honor recognizes women who are making significant contributions in their professions and meaningful differences in the lives of Arizonans.

"It is an incredible honor to be recognized alongside such an outstanding group of leaders," said Vice Mayor O'Brien. “My focus will always be on bringing people together—identifying challenges, building partnerships, finding common ground, and creating real solutions to build stronger, more vibrant communities.”

Vice Mayor O'Brien, who serves as Chair of the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee, was recognized for her transformative work in housing affordability, public safety modernization, and education advocacy.

Under her leadership:

• O’Brien launched a Housing Solutions Plan with more than 30 proposals designed to tackle the affordability crisis through innovative local policies, regional partnerships, and state-level advocacy.
• O’Brien piloted the Emergency Lockbox Program and partnered with Phoenix REALTORS and the Phoenix Fire Department to expand the program city-wide, supporting seniors and residents with mobility challenges by ensuring first responders have quick, safe access.
• O’Brien championed the implementation of an AI-powered non-emergency call system available in 36 languages, designed to free up 911 lines and streamline resident access to city services.​​​​​​
• O’Brien drove the successful collaboration behind Phoenix’s first drone light show, replacing traditional fireworks with a sustainable, inclusive alternative that benefits families, pets and wildlife.
• O’Brien spearheaded the creation of an alternative Community Court to address homelessness with compassion and accountability.

Impact Beyond the Office

• O’Briens serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for WestEd a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency that works to improve learning and increase opportunities for children and adults.
• She champions youth civic engagement by supporting programs like Read Better Be Better’s “Pathways to Civic Leadership” and regularly speaking to young people about education and local government.

In the Arizona Capitol Times’s 2025 Women Achievers in Government and  Public Service category, Vice Mayor O’Brien joins fellow honorees:

• Leah Landrum‑Taylor – Assistant Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security
• Jen Pokorski – County Manager, Maricopa County
• Jessica Mefford‑Miller – CEO, Valley Metro
• Christine Ellis – Vice Mayor, City of Chandler

The 2025 Women Achievers of Arizona were celebrated during a luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore on Wednesday, October 22.

Media Contact

Christina Estes, Director of Communications
christina.estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text