"She is a servant leader who does her job with honesty and integrity."
PEORIA (December 6, 2021) – The Bridget for Peoria campaign announced today that successful businessman and influential sports executive Jerry Colangelo has joined the growing list of remarkable individuals who are supporting Bridget Binsbacher in her bid to be the next mayor of Peoria, Arizona. Colangelo not only delivered the Valley’s only major sports championship, but he also has a 60-year history of successful business management including real estate, management, and development.
In his endorsement, Colangelo explained, “Bridget Binsbacher is an accomplished business professional and a committed public servant. Most importantly, she is a servant leader who does her job with honesty and integrity. Not only has she been a longtime leader behind the incredibly successful Cactus League that drives our local economy, but she also brings a collaborative approach to the City of Peoria and plays a key role in a council that works incredibly well together. Bridget Binsbacher is truly making a difference in our community and setting an example for future leaders in Arizona.”
The Arizona Icon was recently on hand with Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business as they honored four dedicated community leaders, including Bridget Binsbacher, for their “servant leadership.” This characteristic is one of the three pillars of the Colangelo College of Business, along with ethics and entrepreneurism, and is taught both in and out of the classroom.
Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher stated, “I am deeply honored to have the support of a true Arizona legend. His leadership is certainly felt in sports and business – but it goes much deeper. Mr. Colangelo is a shining example of how businesses and communities can work well together to do amazing things. I was thrilled to receive an award that was associated with his name and now even more so with his willingness to support my campaign.”
About Jerry Colangelo
Mr. Colangelo moved from Chicago, Illinois to Arizona in 1968 to assume management of the expansion NBA Phoenix Suns, becoming the youngest general manager in professional sports. During that time, Colangelo molded the Phoenix Suns into one of the most successful organizations in the NBA – on and off the court. He also brought Major League Baseball to the Valley in 1998 and served as managing general partner of the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks.
Since that time, Colangelo has been recognized as one of the most influential sports executives in the world and is the Managing Director of the USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team who returned USA Basketball to Olympic glory and claimed the gold medal at the 2008 games in Beijing, 2012 games in London and the 2016 games in Rio.
He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and has over 50 years of professional sports experience. Colangelo’s commitment to the Valley transcends sports, as he is well known as one of the most active and respected leaders in the community.
About Bridget Binsbacher
Bridget Binsbacher has lived in the Northwest Valley for more than three decades dedicating her time to public and community service. Bridget was elected to serve on the Peoria City Council in March of 2015 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020. As an elected official, she has served two terms as Vice Mayor and has fought hard for fiscal responsibility, accountability, balanced budgets, and no tax increases.
Bridget Binsbacher has been recognized as a respected leader in both the public sector and professionally. She serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Cactus League Baseball Association supporting Spring Training, which is one of Arizona and Peoria’s largest economic drivers. Bridget has been recognized as 2021 AzBusiness Leaders – Top Five Tourism Leaders of Arizona, 2019 AzBusiness Leaders – Most Influential Women in Arizona, and 2016 Arizona Who’s Who – Top Five Women in Business Leaders of Arizona. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a West Valley 24 Mover and Shaker.
She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the finance industry with a wealth of knowledge in operations management, sales management, and business development. Bridget joined the Peoria Diamond Club as a Board member in 2006 and led the organization to new heights after being named Executive Director in 2008.
Bridget Binsbacher has utilized her business background and commitment to public service to bring trust, honesty, and conservative principles to the Peoria City Council. She has fought hard to hold the line on property taxes, promote fiscal responsibility, improve public safety, collaborate with citizens to build Paloma Park, and improve the overall quality of life throughout Peoria. Regionally, Bridget has also represented Peoria on Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy and Human Services Committees.
In 2021, she joined the Arizona Municipal Water Association’s Board of Directors. She also serves her community by volunteering with charitable organizations, currently serving on the Peoria Education Foundation, and previously with the Alzheimer’s Association and Peoria Chamber of Commerce. Her husband, Jon, is a fire captain and paramedic in the Northwest Valley of Arizona. They live in Peoria and have four children.