City taps new intergovernmental relations director

Surprise City Manager Randy Oliver has named Michael Celaya as the city's intergovernmental relations director. 

"Michael brings to the table the skill set we need," Oliver said. "He knows the issues, the players, where Surprise needs to be, and how all the pieces fit together."

Oliver also cited Celaya's strong working relationship with the Surprise City Council, including his work coordinating the recent Washington, D.C., trip of Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt. 

Celaya, 47, was named the city's acting intergovernmental relations director in June. He had served as the city's intergovernmental relations manager since 2006. For five years prior to that, he was the city's grants manager.

"I am very honored by my selection," Celaya said. "Surprise has never been better positioned to be a strong voice in important regional issues such as transportation, the environment and securing the future of Luke Air Force Base. Mayor Truitt and Mr. Oliver are leading a strong and united Surprise team."

The intergovernmental relations director is the city's liaison with other cities as well as state, county and federal government agencies. In his position, Celaya will monitor and analyze how pending state legislation will affect the city, advocate for the city's positions and present legislative goals and updates to the City Council. He will also support the council and manager in their activities involving the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Regional Public Transit Authority and Luke Air Force base, among others.

Celaya's new duties became official Oct. 21. His annual salary is $102,258.