Talk 15: What’s on the Ballot? Your Vote Matters

Event Description:

Join us for an engaging and informative evening at Talk 15 – What’s on the Ballot? Your Vote Matters, hosted by Gilbert Talks. This community panel will break down the key issues and propositions on the upcoming ballot, empowering voters with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions this election season.

Featured Speakers:

• Tom Dorn – President of Dorn Policy Group
  Tom Dorn brings a wealth of experience from his diverse background in government and politics at the federal, state, and local levels. His firm represents major corporations and entities such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3M, and Cigna Healthcare. Before founding Dorn Policy Group, Tom was a Partner at Jamieson Gutierrez, where he led legislative strategies for notable clients like America West Airlines and Cox Communications. Tom’s significant contributions include initiating legislation for the construction of the Hoover Dam Bridge and advancing business legislation during his tenure at the Arizona Department of Commerce. He holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from ASU and remains active in numerous civic and professional organizations.

• Nick Ponder – Senior Vice President for Governmental Affairs at HighGround Public Affairs
  Nick Ponder has nearly two decades of experience in state and local government, previously serving as Legislative Director for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He played a key role in securing the passage of Wayfair legislation and strengthening local revenue bases. Under his leadership, the League won “Best Industry or Trade Association” in 2019. Nick’s career also includes extensive work on state and local pensions. He has been recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times with nominations for “Best Lobbyist Under 40” and “Best Government Lobbyist.”

• Jill Humpherys – At-Large Member of the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board
  Jill Humpherys has been a dedicated public education advocate and a member of the Gilbert School Board since 2012. She and her husband, Richard, have raised five children, all graduates of Gilbert Public Schools. Jill was honored with the School Connect Collaborative Leadership Award in 2021 for her community engagement efforts. She served on the Arizona School Board Association Board from 2017 to 2021 and works with advocacy groups like Save Our Schools and Education Forward Arizona. During her tenure, Jill has championed gifted education, teacher salary increases, secure school facilities, and supported bond and override elections.

• Tyler Moore – Chief Financial Officer at Higley Unified School District
  Tyler Moore is the Chief Financial Officer at Higley Unified School District, overseeing financial operations and budgeting. Previously, they served as the district’s Director of Finance and held finance roles at Scottsdale Unified School District. Tyler has also worked as a Financial Services Consultant at True Professionals and served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials. With a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor’s in Business and Public Administration from ASU, and an Associate’s from Scottsdale Community College, Tyler has built a solid career in finance and accounting within the education sector.

• Kelly Pfost – Director of Management and Budget for Gilbert, Arizona
  Kelly Pfost is the Director of Management and Budget for Gilbert, Arizona, overseeing the development of a $2 billion annual budget. She plays a key role in ensuring fiscal sustainability, contributing to the Town’s AAA bond rating from all major credit agencies. With over 15 years of experience in long-term financial modeling, Kelly previously worked for a municipal consulting firm in Salt Lake City and South Jordan City, Utah. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from BYU-Idaho and an MPA from BYU. Kelly is passionate about numbers and effective financial planning.

Details:

• Light snacks will be provided
• RSVP strongly recommended
• Seats are limited, so reserve your spot early

Don’t miss this chance to get informed and make your vote count! Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, this session will provide valuable insights into what’s at stake this election season.

Our mission:

The mission of Gilbert Talks is to foster constructive community dialogue around issues of importance in Gilbert for purposes of enriching understanding, motivating engagement, and promoting effective policymaking. The founders of Gilbert Talks saw a world of increasingly sharp divisions, entrenched positions, and harsh rhetoric. It remains our belief that there is a better way.