Laura Etter, chief of staff, laura.etter@phoenix.gov

Laura is Chief of Staff for Vice Mayor Bill Gates.  Prior to joining District 3, Laura was Senior Associate for a Phoenix-based public affairs and government relations firm where she provided representation for public and private sector clients within state, county, and local government and focused on providing consistent and efficient communication between client, community, staff, and government officials.  Additionally, she provided executive management services for non-profit clients and overall project management to engage regional and community leadership in collaboration on various issues.

Laura is a graduate of Valley Leadership Class 32, remaining actively involved in the organization as a Community Steward and Program Day Vice Chair.  She previously chaired the Community Engagement Program Day, coordinating the joint Program Day with Hispanic Leadership Institute.  Additionally, she has been involved in the Urban Land Institute (ULI), serving as Membership Chair for the Central Arizona Young Leaders Group, part of the ULI Main Membership Committee, on the ULI YLG Programming committee and on the Regional Visioning Committee.

Laura holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Arizona State University.  She received her Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and graduated with a Dean’s Award.  She is licensed to practice law in both Arizona and California.  Prior to returning to Arizona, Laura worked at a law firm in Southern California and focused on advanced estate planning, estate taxation, and corporation formation.

Jessica Amend, research analyst, jessica.amend@phoenix.gov

Jessica is the District 3 Research Analyst.  Jessica develops strategies for solving complex district problems and manages special projects for the district.  She also takes part in the planning, organization, and execution of community events.  Prior to working for the city of Phoenix, Jessica worked on the fundraising side of John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. Jessica grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Iowa State University.  In her spare time Jessica volunteers in the nursery at St. Joseph’s hospital, as well as for Big Brother’s Big Sisters.  She also enjoys reading and exercising, scrapbooking and spending time with her friends and family.