Former Chief Ken Cost who retired at the end of June after over 30 years with the Mesa Police Department is returning to the city in early September in a new role.

Cost is one of two new assistant city managers hired by City Manager Scott Butler, it was recently announced. Glendale Deputy City Manager Brent Stoddard, who was named as the second assistant city manager, begins work in August.

“Public service is an integral part of who I am,” Cost said in a released statement. “And I still have much to contribute to this community.

“When the position for assistant city manager opened, I decided to apply, and I was excited when Mesa expressed interest in me returning.”

Butler also promoted Deputy City Manager Marc Heirshberg to assistant city manager.

“These appointments represent a strategic investment in Mesa’s future,” Butler said in a release. “We are bringing together exceptional leaders who understand the complexities of municipal government and share our commitment to delivering outstanding services to Mesa residents and businesses.”

This is the first time Mesa, the state’s third largest municipality, has had three assistant city managers.

Former City Manager Chris Brady, who retired in May, had two assistant city managers until 2021 when he had one.

“In his last few years as he neared retirement, Mr. Brady had not filled certain vacancies,” spokeswoman Ana Pereira explained. “Mr. Butler now has the opportunity to build a team that will help him execute his vision and bring about new energy to propel Mesa forward.”

She also pointed to Gilbert, which is almost half Mesa’s size and will have four assistant city managers come July 28.

Under Brady, there were up to four deputy city manager positions, which according to the city’s organization chart has now dwindled to two.

According to Pereira, an assistant city manager’s annual salary is $271,000 while a deputy city manager pay is $245,912.58.

“Ken Cost will oversee public safety,” Pereira said. “However, the city manager is still working on the department assignments and will make an announcement later this summer.”

Cost joined the department in 1995 as a patrol police officer and worked his way up the ranks, becoming chief in March 2020. He was named interim chief in November 2019 after the resignation of Chief Ramon Batista.

According to the release, Cost was selected through a competitive process, chosen for “his exceptional leadership experience.”

“During his tenure as police chief from 2019 to 2025, Cost transformed the Mesa Police Department into a model law enforcement agency, positioning Mesa as the second safest major city in the United States with a population over 500,000,” the city’s release states. “He successfully hired over 300 new officers, reduced vacancy rates to historic lows, and implemented innovative programs, including the nationally recognized SPARC Youth Sports Program.”

The Sports, Programs & Activities Reuniting Community program offers youths sports activities under the mentorship of Mesa Police officers.

Cost holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University at Fullerton, and a master’s degree from Xavier University in Ohio.

He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for Police Executives.

Stoddard, according to the city, “brings valuable experience in economic development, having been instrumental in overseeing Glendale’s business growth and attraction efforts.”

Stoddard has led public affairs, including internal and external communications, media relations, and state and federal affairs. He has also overseen staffing efforts for elected officials in various regional and federal organizations, including the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, according to the release.

Heirshberg, who has served as deputy city manager since November 2020, has over 24 years of public service experience, the city said.

“Heirshberg has provided leadership and oversight for Mesa’s Water Resources, Energy Resources, Development Services, Solid Waste, Fleet Services, Engineering, and Environmental Management and Sustainability departments,” the release added.