City of Phoenix Appoints Mayra Baquera as Retirement Program Administrator

Following a competitive national recruitment, City Manager Ed Zuercher announced Mayra Baquera will serve as the City of Phoenix’s next Retirement Program Administrator effective August 3, 2026. She will lead the City of Phoenix Retirement Office alongside current Administrator Scott Steventon until his retirement in October.

“Protecting the pension commitments to our employees is a critical job and I am confident that Mayra’s background in detailed budget and financial work make her the right person for this role," City Manager Ed Zuercher said. "I know the diligence she brings will be a great asset to the COPERS board as they continue their stewardship of these resources.”

Mayra has more than 17 years of public administration experience, including five years as Deputy Budget and Research Director overseeing a $2 billion operating budget. In that role, she led Citywide budgeting processes requiring detailed analysis of department funding needs and policy impacts.

She also led efforts to strengthen internal controls, improve financial reporting, enhance document accuracy, streamline staff coordination, and update Citywide administrative regulations. Her expertise spans long‑range fiscal planning, forecasting, public accountability, and organizational performance – skills that will support the administration, governance, and financial integrity of the City's retirement programs.

Mayra began her City of Phoenix career as a Management Fellow in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.