Meet Your Mesa Leadership Board Member: Jill Adair, Mesa Leadership Secretary
Posted on Nov. 3, 2023 / Subscribe 0
Hi! My name is Jill Adair, and I’m in my first year as Mesa Leadership Board Secretary.
Tell us about yourself and what you do for work.
I’ve been a local journalist and photographer for 35 years, starting my career at the daily
Mesa Tribune in 1985. I’ve written for several publications over the years, including
East Valley Independent newspapers and Deseret News out of Utah. I taught reporting
and editing at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications for
eight years. I also taught writing to children with the city of Mesa’s community education
program. I’m currently a copy editor/reporter for Arizona Digital Free Press.
My first book, “The Mesa Easter Pageant: 80 Years of Sharing the Story of Jesus the Christ,”
was published in 2022.
I’m married and have three children and eight grandchildren. I’m so grateful they all live close by,
and we can see each other often - they are the joy of my life! I love hiking, photography, reading,
and spending time at our cabin in Eagar, Ariz. (where my husband grew up). I also volunteer with
my church and am communications director for the Mesa Temple Events committee, which helps with
the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights event downtown and the Mesa Easter Pageant. I write content for
the website (MesaTemple.org). I also like volunteering with the City of Mesa Volunteer program
(Volunteer | City of Mesa (mesaaz.gov) and JustServe.
What is your position on the board, and what do you do in your board position for Mesa Leadership?
As secretary, I take minutes of the board meetings and update the leadership roster. I’m helping with press releases
and the Holiday Party coming up on Dec. 7. I also help Sandy with anything she needs!
What attracted you to attend Mesa Leadership, Training, and Development?
I wanted to attend for years and finally had the opportunity in 2015-16. I documented my
experiences through a series of articles in the Arizona Republic.
What class year did you graduate?
Class of 2016.
What was your class project?
We helped the Grant Woods Boys and Girls Club in Mesa, including setting up a library inside,
updating the playground, and painting a mural on a surrounding brick wall outside.
What leadership principle(s) did you learn from attending Mesa Leadership and still use in your leadership style?
I learned to listen better and be more empathetic, and I’m still practicing that. Everyone has a story, and
it’s important to get to know those whom you work with and understand where they’re coming from.
And it comes from a place of caring.
What would you say if someone asked you about Mesa Leadership?
I always tell people it’s a great experience. No matter how long you’ve lived in Mesa
or how well you think you know your community, you will learn SO much. You will be more motivated to step up
and take on a leadership role. And the friendships you make along the way are a fabulous bonus!
What is a good leader? Someone who has the ability to connect with people, and that includes listening, caring,
and working together toward a common goal. I think it’s also important to always be learning and growing.
And, as John C. Maxwell says, “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.”
Is there anything else about Mesa Leadership you want to share with us?
Make the most out of your class experience – it only comes once, and there is so much
opportunity for YOUR learning and growth!
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