Hiring the best and brightest is crucial for delivering on Scottsdale’s mission to provide “Simply Better Service for a World Class Community.” By attracting top talent, the city can ensure that it has the skills, dedication and innovation necessary to meet the needs and expectations of its residents.
“Investing in talent is an investment in the future success and well-being of the city and its residents,” said City Manager Jim Thompson. “Our three new hires – two pulled from our excellent field of more than 120 assistant city manager applicants – will work towards making our city an even better place for all.”
Here are summaries of the newly hired employees:
Katie Gregory, WestWorld General Manager
Gregory comes to Scottsdale from her post as Prescott’s city manager, where she has served since May 2023. Prior to joining Prescott, she worked since 2000 in various positions with the city of Peoria, including as deputy city manager and other roles in the Budget office. Gregory also worked in Parks and Recreation in both Eugene, Oregon, and Goodyear, Arizona.
Gregory holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in political science from Western Oregon University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University.
“I look forward to joining the city of Scottsdale and the WestWorld team,” Gregory said. “The current events and activities at WestWorld are first class, and with planned improvements, I am excited for new opportunities to expand the programming.”
Gregory starts Thursday, March 14.
Teri Pace Killgore, Economic Development Director
Killgore joins the city from Walnut Creek, California, where she most recently served as the assistant city manager, overseeing Risk Management, the City Clerk, Communications, Emergency Management and City Council support staff. Prior to that role, she served as the Economic Development director. While there, Killgore expanded the city’s economic development efforts to include a robust retention and attraction program, led a successful rebound program in response to the pandemic and oversaw permanent citywide outdoor dining programs which helped keep the city’s downtown vacancies at less than 5% during COVID.
Before her Walnut Creek tenure, Killgore served as the interim city manager and assistant city manager for two years with Vallejo, California, and as an assistant to the city manager in San Jose, California. And Killgore is no stranger to Arizona. She worked as Chandler’s downtown redevelopment manager for six years.
Killgore earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University and a certificate from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.
“I'm thrilled to join the iconic city of Scottsdale in a role that works with the amazing Economic Development team to bring even more high-quality jobs and investment to the community,” Killgore said. “My family and I are excited to return to the Valley and be a part of all the innovative things happening here.”
Her first day on the job is May 6.
Kira Peters, Human Services Director
Peters rejoins the organizations after a one-year hiatus as an assistant city manager in Bozeman, Montana, where she oversaw multiple departments, including the Fire Department, City Clerk, Parks & Recreation, Utilities and Economic Development. There, she managed an annual General Fund budget of $318 million and a CIP budget of $394 million.
Prior to her tenure in Bozeman, Peters served more than three decades for the city of Scottsdale. She worked in various leadership roles in Community Services, including leading teams in Parks & Recreation, Human Services and the Public Library System. Peters played a key role in large-scale Bond/CIP projects and strategic planning efforts as the Community Services Administrator.
Peters holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Not only is Peters academically accomplished, but she is also a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. She is the founder and board member of The Women’s Collective, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and elevating women leaders.
Returning to Arizona due to family and educational needs, Kira is excited to continue her municipal career to the Scottsdale community. Peters returned March 11.
“I’ll be returning to Scottsdale from my year-long tenure in Bozeman with more knowledge in hand than when I left,” said Peters. “I’m thrilled to be working again with the dedicated Human Services team to provide resources, programs and services to the community that I call home.”
