Michelle R. Hess

Michelle R. Hess Leadership Strategist | Advisor
Keynote Speaker
Helping organizations lead with clarity and courageous momentum. Buckeye has captured my heart!

Experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors. My name is Michelle Hess, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Council representative of District 3 since 2012. We moved here because of a job but stayed because of the community. I love the small-town charm of this growing city. I enjoy bringing my children up in a community where I feel safe and part of something bigger than oursel

ves. I enjoy our annual traditions, such as the Glow on Monroe, rodeos, and the 4th of July fireworks show. I see what Buckeye can be one day and desire to protect those things that give it that special charm. I have lived in Arizona for 32 years and in Buckeye since 2006. My husband McKenzie is a firefighter, and we are about to celebrate our 25th year of marriage! We have three amazing children that love Buckeye and all it has to offer. We enjoy serving at our local church, community events, and mission opportunities beyond our borders.

I currently serve as the Executive Director for Leadership West and as a member of the Buckeye City Councilmember. Leadership West is a non-profit organization designed to transform already exceptional individuals into leaders who generously utilize their knowledge, collaboration, and skills to make life better for everyone in their organization, community, and region. In addition to leadership training, we inform leaders on the issues facing Arizona, such as water, infrastructure, public safety, education, health care, quality of life, and job creation and retention. We want the West Valley to continue thriving. To see to that, we are equipping leaders with greater regional awareness, access to an influential network of trailblazers, and the ability to super-refine their leadership skills. I am passionate about the West Valley of Arizona. I leverage my leadership, networking, and problem-solving skills to help inspire and cultivate the leadership capital in Buckeye and beyond.

Authenticity isn't about oversharing; it's about sharing processed, healed experiences that empower others. This approac...
05/29/2026

Authenticity isn't about oversharing; it's about sharing processed, healed experiences that empower others. This approach builds credibility, softens defenses, and invites genuine conversations.

In our latest podcast episode, Pastor Matt Rose shares how authenticity shapes trust and connection. He discusses the importance of showing scars rather than wounds, and how real stories inspire growth and resilience.

Whether in a church, a business, or a community, being real and owning our struggles fosters trust and deepens relationships. It's what sets apart leaders who inspire lasting influence.

Listen to the full conversation:

In this episode of The Briefing Room, Matt Rose shares leadership insights around authenticity, culture, scaling organizations, stewardship, and building peo...

What does it actually take to become the best in your field? Not just good. Not just recognized. Genuinely the best.And ...
05/05/2026

What does it actually take to become the best in your field? Not just good. Not just recognized. Genuinely the best.
And why do we stop short?
Take a moment to read my latest blog post on this topic up now at www.michellerhess.com

Before a single aircraft left the ground at Luke Air Force Base, something stopped me cold.It wasn’t the jets.New post o...
04/15/2026

Before a single aircraft left the ground at Luke Air Force Base, something stopped me cold.

It wasn’t the jets.

New post on what the Thunderbirds taught me about discipline, excellence, and what we’re actually willing to pay for.

On the blog now at www.michellerhess.com.

04/14/2026

Reposting this one because the conversation has stayed with me.

Water & Whiskey was a reminder that the issues shaping our region aren’t simple, and they’re not going away. What matters is how we show up in them.

What stood out most to me was the room. Leaders willing to stay engaged, ask better questions, and lean into the complexity instead of avoiding it.

That’s where real progress happens.

WE’RE NOW ON SPOTIFY!The Briefing Room sparks authentic conversations with leaders who are shaping their industries and ...
04/11/2026

WE’RE NOW ON SPOTIFY!
The Briefing Room sparks authentic conversations with leaders who are shaping their industries and communities.
Hosted by me, and this is a leadership podcast you don’t want to miss.

Subscribe,watch and listen on YouTube and find us on now on Spotify 🎙️

“When a room full of leaders commits to moving the ball, momentum builds.Not because one person solved everything.But be...
03/16/2026

“When a room full of leaders commits to moving the ball, momentum builds.
Not because one person solved everything.
But because many people chose to advance it together.”

Just Move The Ball- My new blogpost up now on www.michellerhess.com

Take a look at my updated website and don’t forget to listen in on my new podcast, The Briefing Room AZ now on YouTube. ...
03/09/2026

Take a look at my updated website and don’t forget to listen in on my new podcast, The Briefing Room AZ now on YouTube.
Stay connected.Get inspired.
www.michellerhess.com

02/19/2026

Leadership isn’t just a title; it’s a journey!
Tune into the Briefing Room Podcast where we explore leadership in all its complexity, challenge the status quo and learn from unconventional leaders.

New episodes every other Tuesday, don’t forget to subscribe!

02/16/2026

Meet Michelle R. Hess premiers 2/17/26
The Briefing Room Podcast

This podcast explores leadership in all its complexity-helping leaders ask better questions, gain clarity, and create a meaningful impact. Hosted by Michelle R. Hess and Jason Q. Shaffer, The Briefing Room sparks authentic conversations with leaders who are shaping their industries and communities.

www.youtube.com/

02/16/2026

Meet Michelle Hess premiers 2/17/26
The Briefing Room Podcast

This podcast explores leadership in all its complexity-helping leaders ask better questions, gain clarity, and create a meaningful impact. Hosted by Michelle R. Hess and Jason Q. Shaffer, The Briefing Room sparks authentic conversations with leaders who are shaping their industries and communities.

www.youtube.com/

Address

Buckeye, AZ
85326

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