Amber Liermann
Wade Appoints City’s First-Ever Vice Mayor
![Newly appointed Vice Mayor Henry Wade stands for a photo inside the council chambers on Dec. 3, 2024. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://arizonanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Wade-Appoints-Citys-First-Ever-Vice-Mayor.jpg)
Maricopa City Council has appointed Henry Wade as the new Vice Mayor, marking a significant moment in local governance. Wade, who has over a decade of experience in elected politics within the city, was chosen by the outgoing Vice Mayor Amber Liermann during a city council meeting held on December 3, 2024.
“Councilmember Wade has been a leader in our community for many years,” Liermann stated. She praised his commitment to fostering community connections and described him as “a servant at heart.” This sentiment was echoed by other members of the council, who approved the appointment unanimously.
Expressing gratitude, Wade remarked, “I feel very appreciative of the council’s trust in me. They’re my peers, people I respect. For them to select me as vice mayor means there’s something in me they appreciate.” This won’t be Wade’s first experience in the role; he previously served as Vice Mayor from 2018 to 2019 before nominating current Mayor Nancy Smith for the position.
“It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with,” he added, looking forward to leveraging this opportunity to enhance his contributions as vice mayor. Wade will undertake mayoral responsibilities when Mayor Smith is unavailable.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Vice Mayor Rich Vitiello, who stepped down in April to pursue a successful bid for Pinal County supervisor on November 5.
Henry Wade’s background is notable. Born in Los Angeles, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1973, eventually retiring after a 13-year career highlighted by service at Luke Air Force Base. After transitioning into the civilian sector, Wade spent over two decades in real estate, co-founding the Arizona Association of Real Estate Brokers and participating in the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
His political career began in 2008 with an appointment to the Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission, where he served for four years. Wade has also chaired the Pinal County Democratic Party and contributed to the Maricopa Police Chief’s Citizen Advisory Committee. He was elected to the city council in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and most recently in 2022.
