Chandler names Riann Balch as…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler Acting City Manager John Pombier has announced the appointment of Riann Balch as Neighborhood Resources Director, bringing more than 25 years municipal leadership experience to the position.

Balch joined Chandler in 2017 to lead the Neighborhood Resources' Community Development and Resources Division. In that role, she oversaw innovative programs to address homelessness and administered funding for affordable housing programs and to nonprofits delivering services to our most vulnerable residents.

"Riann has led transformative initiatives to create housing stability and expand social services to vulnerable residents in partnership with nonprofits," said Chandler Acting City Manager John Pombier. "Her breadth of experience administering various funding programs while leading policy development, grant administration and regional collaboration will help preserve neighborhoods and explore future housing solutions."

Prior to joining Chandler, Balch was Deputy Human Services Director at the City of Phoenix. Her 15 years with Phoenix were focused on administering federal grant programs for human services, transitional housing and homelessness. She also previously served as the executive director of Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness and worked to combat homelessness and advance affordable housing solutions across Arizona.

Balch obtained a certified public manager credential from Arizona State University (ASU) in 2012, and she earned a master's degree in social work from ASU in 1999. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She also currently serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.