SE Valley Times

The city of Tempe is bidding farewell to longtime city manager Andrew Ching. As of June 19, Ching moved to a new position with the town of Paradise Valley, leaving Tempe with an interim city manager.

During the June 15 Tempe city council meeting, officials and community members sent long-time city manager Andrew Ching off to his next position with words of praise and thanks. Ching has served as city manager for over 10 years, making him the second-longest-running city manager in the history of Tempe. Before serving as city manager, Ching held the position of city attorney. In total, he has 24 years of service to the city of Tempe and will remain an honorary resident of the community as he moves to work as town manager for Paradise Valley.

"It's going to be a huge loss to the city of Tempe, but a tremendous gain to the town of Paradise Valley," Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said. 

Woods invited several city officials to share their gratitude for Ching during the meeting. Tempe Officers’ Association President Rob Ferraro recalled Ching’s dedication to the police department. “Andrew exhibited these qualities daily as he interacted with city employees, always showing care and treating employees with dignity and respect,” Ferraro said.

Fire Union President Don Jongewaard also shared his memories of Ching’s work with his department. “I know I speak for our membership when I say that Andrew Ching will be missed,” Jongewaard said. “What we do is not easy. Public safety is expensive, it's challenging, and it's constantly changing. For the past ten years, Andrew has always been there for the Tempe firefighters and paramedics. He gets it.”

The mayor and city council gave Ching tokens of his service, including a small statue commemorating 24 years of service, as well as a Soleri Bell, an Arizona native wind bell. The mayor read a proclamation commemorating his work for the community and a plaque.

Ching gave a long list of thanks to individuals who aided him throughout his career in Tempe, saying he has received support from every department and area of the city. “I leave with gratitude, I leave with appreciation,” Ching said. “Tempe has given me so, so much, and I can't ever begin to thank enough this organization in this community for every opportunity I've had. And I will proudly continue to be a resident of the city of Tempe, for years and years to come.” He received a standing ovation to end his final council meeting as Tempe city manager.

Rosa Inchausti will serve as interim city manager in Ching's absence.