Chandler Acting City Manager John Pombier has appointed Marge Zylla as the city’s Strategic Initiatives Director. In this role, Zylla will oversee government relations, transportation policy, and grants teams for Chandler. She will also be responsible for handling complex negotiations on behalf of the city.
Zylla brings almost two decades of experience in state and municipal public policy. Since 2023, she has served as the Arizona Governor’s Office Director of Fiscal and Legislative Affairs. Her previous roles include ten years as Government Relations Director for the City of Tempe and six years as a Senior Fiscal Analyst at the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
According to the city, Zylla’s background in leading cross-disciplinary teams and aligning financial with policy priorities is expected to benefit Chandler. She is recognized for her ability to interpret complex fiscal data into actionable information for elected officials and executive leadership.
Zylla holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in communication from Arizona State University.
As Strategic Initiatives Director, Zylla will be tasked with executing Chandler’s federal, state, and regional policy agenda to serve community interests. The team she leads works to secure funding at various government levels for transportation projects and helps city departments access grant opportunities. The office also coordinates compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and oversees Chandler’s transit system.
