Arizona – After serving as Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s chief of staff for the last three years, Lisa Fernandez is making the move to the private sector and joining one of Arizona’s fastest growing and top construction companies, Okland Construction.

Fernandez will come on board as an executive, working with the leadership team and CEO, Bill Okland, to help Okland continue to create remarkable experiences for their clients, their partners, their team, and their community. Fernandez will focus on high-level strategy for the company and special projects, overseeing internal and external communications as well as community relations and outreach.

“I’m excited not only because Okland’s values align so closely with my own, but because it’s a unique opportunity to bring my skills and experience to an incredible company while learning a whole new sector,” said Fernandez. “I wanted to join a team of good people, who care about their employees and community, and Okland is that company. They are passionate and driven about their people and partners, and I’m lucky to say I’m now part of the Okland family.”

“Okland is thrilled to have someone like Lisa join our team and give a new perspective and energy to the company and industry. Lisa’s extensive background and knowledge and community ties across Arizona are unmatched,” said Okland CEO, Bill Okland. “We often like to say we are a 100-year-old startup in that we’re always looking ahead on how to innovate and make our industry better. Lisa’s drive and expertise come at a key time in our growth, and we know she will strengthen our focus on community and people.”

As chief of staff, Fernandez led the mayor’s office during one of the most trying times in the city’s history—after only a year in office the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Prior to her three years in the mayor’s office, she served as Vice President at Resolute Consulting where she managed Resolute’s Arizona office where she oversaw and advised on high-level strategic planning, as well as developed and implemented communication and outreach campaigns.

Okland Construction is a family-owned, privately held company that was founded in 1918. Okland prides itself on creating remarkable experiences in everything they do.

Okland has partnered with leaders in the worlds of health care, technology, science, higher education, and many more across the Southwest region. Recent clients include Banner Health, Honor Health, RED Development, Plaza Companies, Arizona State University, Wexford Science + Technology, and Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC). A few notable projects Okland’s Southwest office has been involved with include the Phoenix Suns Arena renovation, the Tempe Center for the Arts, The Grove Phoenix, The Watermark Tempe, Papago Gateway Center, and the Phoenix Bioscience Core.