Running for Pima Board of Supervisors 4
Vanessa Bechtol’s nearly 20 years of professional experience in public service includes working with organizations focused on economic development, quality of life, and cultural and historic preservation. She has a track record for building creative collaborations, due in part to her eagerness to bring different perspectives to the table. Vanessa’s professional experience includes working on destination stewardship at Visit Tucson, with an emphasis on sustainable economic development, placemaking initiatives, strong community engagement, and strategic planning. She served eight years as Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, where she worked with elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit partners in the shared pursuit of preserving and promoting southern Arizona’s rich heritage. In that role, she co-authored the first nomination for Tucson to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Latin American Studies, Master of Science in Planning, and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management, all from the University of Arizona. Vanessa is a proud graduate of Greater Tucson Leadership and the Civic & Political Leadership Academy. Vanessa’s community service experience includes serving as an Honorary Commander at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and serving on boards and committees including Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, Arizona Deserts National Parks Partnership, Southwest Folklife Alliance, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Pima County Loop Advisory Committee, Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona’s Community Impact Committee, and several Destinations International’s committees.