KENNY HARRIS

Director

Board Term

 2022-2024

Neighborhood

Monterra

Occupation 

Currently a Senior Project Manager. Former Phoenix City Engineer and Development Services Director.

Vistancia Resident Since 

2021

Family

Daughter Sydney, and two sons, Ben and Troy

BIO

I am a graduate Civil Engineer from Notre Dame. As the former Phoenix City Engineer former County Engineer, and VP of the Cardinal’s Stadium, I have managed staff and participated in Ahwatukee community organizations and Boards. As a member of the Thunderbirds since 1990, I have participated in so many efforts to organize professional events that have contributed to millions and millions of dollars being raised for this Valley community. I have great pride in my accomplishments over my career and would like to make positive contributions to my home neighborhood.

What do you bring to the table as a Board member? 

I lived in Ahwatukee during the 90s and was on a Board of Metro YMCA during the new build and Pecos North Community Association.

How will you be able to put aside personal biases and desires to make decisions for the betterment of the entire community?

As the former Development Services Director, I am familiar with the importance of covenants and restrictions and how they serve to maintain the value and standards of a community. Personal biases and desires have no place in this realm.

What is the most important issue facing the community in the next two years?

Everyone should understand that home values will continue to increase and move. An effort is required to police our neighborhoods. Are there standards for renters who live in an owner’s home? Are parents accountable for children who throw lawn chairs into pools?

What can the Association do to help maintain or improve current property values?

Publish tips to maintain property values on the website. Communicate the top five ways to maintain property values. Have an expert or consultant from the Scottsdale community share what they are doing in Greyhawk or Silverleaf.

What are the three most important ways we can increase the sense of community in Vistancia?

Make everyone feel welcome. A funny conversation I had last week while watching football at a bar – I was asked if I was the black guy on 123rd. I responded no because I live on 125th. So what if there aren’t that many, I am filling out this application to facilitate change. The Annual Garage Sale and monthly Farmer’s Markets are great, along with the private bike trail and heated pool.

How do you feel about the collaborative-partnership approach between the Board, community members and the management team? What would you do to support and/or improve these relationships moving forward?

A collaborative partnership makes sense and would help break down walls between people’s egos, and the separation of class distinctions.