Phoenix Human Services Director Named One Of The Most Influential Women In Arizona Business

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

July 8, 2020

City of Phoenix's Director of Human Services Department, Marchelle Franklin was named one of the AZ Business magazine's Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2020.

As one of only 50 Arizona women to receive this honor, Franklin was recognized for her 18 years of public service and her mission and commitment to meet the needs of at-risk residents.

Franklin manages a $95 million budget and leads over 375 employees as the Human Services Director. She joined the city of Phoenix in 2002 and prior to her current role, served as director of the Phoenix Police Department Community Affairs division, deputy director for community development and government relations at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and separate roles as chief of staff for the Mayor and City Council.

“It is an honor and a testament to Marchelle's hard work and commitment that she is recognized by AZ Business magazine for contributions she makes to the community," Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher said. “During her two decades with the city, Marchelle's career embodies passion for people and the impact that better systems and structures have on our residents' quality of life."

Before transitioning to municipal work, Franklin spent nearly 15 years in the private sector working in human resources management. In addition to her volunteer leadership role at the Fiesta Bowl, Franklin also serves as Board Secretary for The Desert Pearls Foundation, Inc.

In 2019, Franklin was awarded the NextGen Public Service Silent Hero Award and was a 2019 ATHENA Award Finalist Winner.

“I hope others say I was willing to speak truth to power, be a voice for the marginalized and disenfranchised and that I endeavored to encourage and motivate individuals, especially women, to be true to themselves, to their work and their community and that I operated from a perspective that excellence in what we do in local government is not accidental it has to be intentional," Franklin said.

The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2020 will be featured on the cover of the July/August issue of Az Business magazine, along with editorial profiles inside the magazine. They will also be honored at a dinner and reception that begins at 5:30 p.m. on September 15, 2020, at Chateau Luxe.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.