Interim Town Manager

11000 North La Canada Drive
Oro Valley, Arizona 85737

Phone: (520) 229-4710
Fax: (520) 297-0428
E-mail:  jwatson@orovalleyaz.gov     

Jerene Watson has been the Assistant Town Manager since January 2007. She was appointed to Interim Town Manager by the Town Council on Wed., Oct. 7, 2009. Initially overseeing operations of the development services departments along with the Library, Information Technology and Parks & Recreation. After operational rotation with the Town Manager in August 2009, she currently oversees the Police, Water Utility, Library, Parks & Recreation, Information Technology and Town Clerk.

Before joining the Town of Oro Valley, Ms. Watson was responsible for several key management and operational functions with the City of Goodyear, Arizona, as a Director overseeing Community Services, Community Initiatives and Intergovernmental Programs.  Prior to that, she worked in the City of Phoenix as chief of staff to a Councilmember, a mayoral aide and staff member in the Intergovernmental Affairs division of the City Manager’s office.  She also served the city of Omaha, Nebraska City Council and was a professional staff member in the US Senate, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Ms. Watson earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1981 and a master degree in Public Administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 1992.

Ms. Watson is a member of ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and the Arizona chapter, ACMA, and a graduate of Leadership West, Class of 1998.  She has received numerous awards for her leadership, mentoring and volunteer commitments.  Her interests include traveling, reading, gardening, antiques, golf, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.