Vanessa Bechtol’s 20 years professional experience in public service includes working with nonprofit organizations focused on land use planning, economic growth in the tourism industry, quality of place, and cultural and historic preservation. She has a collaborative work ethic and is eager to bring different perspectives to the table.

Vanessa’s professional experience includes working on destination stewardship at Visit Tucson, with an emphasis on sustainable economic development, placemaking initiatives, strong community engagement, and strategic planning. She served eight years as the Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, where she worked with elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit partners in the shared pursuit of preserving and promoting southern Arizona’s rich heritage. In that role she also co-authored the first nomination for Tucson to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in the U.S.
 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Latin American Studies (2000), Master of Science in Planning (2003), and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management (2021), all from the University of Arizona. Vanessa is a proud graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership program and the Civic & Political Leadership Academy.
 

Vanessa enjoys hiking with her husband and two kids, cycling on The Loop, exploring Tucson’s culinary scene, and volunteering throughout the community.

Her current and past community service includes:

• Honorary Commander, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

• Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance

• Arizona Deserts National Parks Partnership

• Southwest Folklife Alliance

• Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance

• Pima County Loop Advisory Committee

• Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona, Community Impact Committee

• Destinations International committees