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Cavazos, Osuna ascend to Phoenix top jobs

David Cavazos and Ruth Osuna are among four people hired to Phoenix’s executive management team, dramatically increasing the number of Latinos at city government’s top level.

"The individuals that we’ve hired are outstanding and bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the management team," says Frank Fairbanks, Phoenix city manager.

The move is a promotion for Cavazos, a 19-year city of Phoenix employee who currently serves as acting deputy city manager. He oversees the Housing, Neighborhood Services and Community and Economic Development departments and the Downtown Development Office.

Prior to joining the city manager’s office, Cavazos served as acting aviation director and helped launch the Small Business Division of the Community and Economic Development Department.

"This is the culmination of a dream that started almost 20 years ago," Cavazos says. "I also think it’s a great message that Mr. Fairbanks is sending to put in place a team that reflects the diversity we enjoy here in Arizona."

Ruth Osuna’s hire was surprising to those not familiar with her background. She currently serves as program director for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in Phoenix, a non-profit dedicated to helping community development corporations transform blighted areas into healthy neighborhoods. Prior to joining LISC, she held various positions in Phoenix government and the housing and banking industries

"For me, going back to the City of Phoenix as a deputy city manager is the completion of a full circle in my career," she says. "I care about this community, and want to continue working for it."

Osuna started at the city as one of three women management interns in 1983. Through 1989, she was a management assistant for the deputy city manager for Transportation Services, and deputy director, Neighborhood and Business Development, community and Economic Development Department.

"I think that my career reflects a commitment to public service whether I am in the public or private sector. I have come to understand, respect and leverage the power of the partnership between government, business and residents to address important community issues."

David Krietor, former Aviation Department director, and Cynthia Seelhammer, the former city manager of Queen Creek, also joined the executive team.