Former Mesa Mayor John Giles recently joined the First Things First state Board. Giles served as mayor from 2014 to 2025, leading a decade of transformative progress for the state’s third-largest city. Under his leadership, Mesa achieved historic economic growth, including the expansion of Arizona State University into downtown Mesa— a catalyst for millions of dollars in investment and a vibrant downtown revitalization.
During his tenure, he launched Mesa College Promise, providing free college tuition for eligible Mesa students, and expanded access to early childhood education through the city’s free pre-kindergarten program. He also advanced bold sustainability goals through a new Climate Action Plan.
Today, Giles serves as a Mayoral Ambassador for Bloomberg Philanthropies and practices government relations law with Udall Shumway. He finds his greatest joy in spending time with his 10 grandchildren, traveling with his wife, Dawn and exploring Arizona’s trails.
Giles recently sat down with us to answer a few questions.
What made you want to join the FTF Board?
Serving on the FTF Board presents an opportunity to participate with the organization and mechanism that has the resources and capacity to have real impact in the lives of Arizona’s children. There is no more important cause than helping children in need. I admire those who have dedicated their life’s work to this calling. I hope to find ways to support them and make Arizona a great place to be a kid.
Can you share a specific moment or experience that solidified your passion for supporting young children and their families?
Over 25 years ago, I served as a Board member and Board Chair of the Mesa United Way. At that time, research was just emerging about the importance of supporting brain development in early childhood. That became a top priority in our organization. Later, as Mayor of Mesa, in partnership with Mesa Public Schools, we sought to expand pre-k programs in the city. Both of these efforts were good but failed to achieve the impact that I hoped for. My hope is to help grow the impact of First Things First so Arizona children can realize their full potential.
Why is early childhood education important for Arizona as a whole?
Most importantly, we need to do it because we love our children and they all deserve the best start they can get.
There are also economic reasons. Arizona needs a better-prepared workforce to respond to the high-quality jobs that the state is attracting. Arizona also needs more taxpayers and fewer public assistance recipients. Education is the best tool to help people out of poverty. Success in education is tied to early childhood resources.
Any advice you can give to those who want to contribute to the early childhood mission in Arizona?
There is no wrong or bad way to help. Look for opportunities that align with your circumstances. Educate and prepare yourself so that you can be in a position to have great impact.
Who was your childhood hero? Why?
My father was an elementary school principal in Mesa for many years. He and my mother both modeled the lesson that public service, particularly helping the community’s children, was a part of living a meaningful life.
For more information on the FTF Board and its members, please visit FirstThingsFirst.org/governance/board/members/.
