As the election season ramped up this spring and elected officials considered their futures, a few decided to resign their current offices to run for another, leaving vacancies that needed to be filled.
Two city councils in western Pinal County selected new members as a result of this process:
Maricopa — AnnaMarie Knorr
AnnaMarie Knorr, a longtime member of the Maricopa Unified School District board, joined the Maricopa City Council this spring to fill a vacancy, with her term ending in December 2025.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the council’s trust in me,” Knorr said. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, listen to the community and be a part of all the positive changes happening in Maricopa.”
Former city councilmember Rich Vitiello stepped down April 1 to run for county supervisor, leading to Knorr’s appointment later that month.
Knorr, a fifth-generation Arizonan, has lived in Maricopa since 2005 and is the director of marketing and public affairs for Exceptional Healthcare, which opened Maricopa’s first hospital at the end of 2021 and is planning another location in Eloy.
Her current third term on the school board ends in December and she held the office of president from 2018-20. She is also Heritage Academy Maricopa’s cross-country coach, promoting health and wellness among youth.
Originally from Buckeye, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Arizona State University and a Mini-MBA in rural health care from the University of Arizona. With a diverse background in health care, education, governance and community engagement, she has won several recognitions, including as a Women Achievers of Arizona Unsung Hero by the AZ Capitol Times in 2019 for her outstanding contributions to the community.
She’s raised her four children, ages 8 to 17, in Maricopa and spends her spare time cooking, running, volunteering and supporting her kids in their extracurricular activities.
Florence — Cathy Adam
The Florence Town Council unanimously appointed Cathy Adam to the vacant seat after interviewing eight applicants. Adam, with a rich history of service on Town boards and commissions including the Historic District Advisory Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Appeals was sworn in May 20.
During her interview, Adam said, “I am committed to listening and working collaboratively with all residents. I encourage everyone interested in advancing our town’s development to join me in this endeavor. Together, we can strive for a brighter, more inclusive future.”
After she was chosen, she said, “I am deeply thankful to the council for this incredible opportunity to further serve the community I hold dear. I am both humbled and eager to begin this new chapter.”
She replaced Michelle Cordes, who resigned to run for mayor of Florence. Following Adam’s appointment to the Town Council the town was seeking applications to fill her seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Appeals.
