Pinal County has elevated two interim directors who served throughout much of 2023 to become full leaders of their departments:
Director of Public Health Merissa Mendoza
Mendoza began her career with Pinal County almost 13 years ago working in the WIC nutrition program. Over the years she has worked as a nutritionist, breastfeeding coordinator, nutrition program supervisor and division manager for Nutrition and Vital Records. She was named to the interim role in February 2023 at the recommendation of the departing Dr. Tascha Spears.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics at Arizona State University and a master’s in public administration at Grand Canyon University. She holds the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant credentials and is also a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.
Air Quality Director Anu Jain
Anu Jain was named interim air quality director in July 2023, 21 years after she began working for the department as a permit engineer. She rose through the department’s ranks to become air quality permitting manager.
Jain will lead a department with 14 employees and report to Deputy County Manager Himanshu Patel.
Prior to joining the county, Jain was an environmental engineer in the private sector, having graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.
