Kimmerly Applewhite, Felipe Moreno and Jesus Sapien have been selected to participate in the city of Phoenix’s 57th annual Management Intern Program.

The Management Intern Program is designed to attract, develop and retain innovative people in local government. The three participants, who were selected from a competitive group of applicants from across the country, began their internships July 3 and will rotate through the City Manager's Office, Budget and Research Department and other departments providing direct public services in order to experience the spectrum of municipal government.

The Management Intern Program allows individuals who have earned or completed course work toward a master's degree to work for the city for one year. Upon completion of the internship, candidates may apply for permanent positions with the city.

Applewhite earned her master’s in public administration degree from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. She previously worked for the Office of Admissions at Wayne State University, the state of Michigan Department of Human Services and the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. She also interned with L.I.F.T. Women’s Resource Center and Oakland County Friend of the Court. She received her undergraduate degree in public administration and public policy from Oakland University.

Moreno earned his master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. He joined the city of Phoenix in 2000 as a Head Start mental health counselor in the Human Services Department. Since then, Moreno was promoted to youth services coordinator. Outside of work, he serves as a Head Start federal reviewer. He also teaches classes in the Child and Family Studies Department at Paradise Valley Community College. Prior to joining the city, Moreno was a family and adolescent therapist for CI, Inc. He received his undergraduate degree in family studies from University of Arizona.

Sapien earned his master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University. He previously served as the administrative coordinator for City Councilman Claude Mattox’s office and interned in the Housing Department director’s office. For nearly 15 years, Sapien was a store manager for Cowtown Boot Company, Inc. He received his undergraduate degree in English from Arizona State University.

During the history of Phoenix's internship program, many participants have continued employment with the city after their internship year. Others have gone on to hold positions in federal, state, county and other city governments, including many who are city managers or assistant city managers throughout the nation.

Among the alumni of the Management Intern Program currently employed by the city are Ruth Osuna, deputy city manager; Rick Naimark, deputy city manager; David Cavazos, deputy city manager; Lisa Takata, executive assistant to the city manager; Lionel Lyons, development services director; Tammy Perkins, acting water services director; Kim Dorney, housing director; Carolyn Bristo, assistant public works director, and Gina Ramos Montes, deputy human services director.

For more information, visit phoenix.gov/interns or call 602-262-4812.