2024 Candidate Edition
Welcome to a special episode of Guiding Growth
Candidates' participation in this podcast does not constitute an endorsement, express or implied, by the podcast, its host(s), its sponsors, or its production team. The purpose of these interviews is to provide listeners with insights into the journey, perspectives, and policies of various candidates. All candidates running for Gilbert Town Council were invited to participate. Listeners are encouraged to do their research and make informed decisions when casting their votes. Thank you for listening!
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Mayor Candidates
Scott Anderson
Scott Anderson has served in local governance for over thirty years, working on issues such as land use, city planning, sustainability, and essential municipal processes. Since settling in 1988 with his wife, EJ Anderson, and their five children, Scott has involved himself with affairs of the town as a driving force behind the Gilbert Riparian Preserves. He ran for Council in 2016 and has served on the Council for seven years in various roles, including Vice Mayor and Mayor. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography and International Relations from Brigham Young University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado. Fun Fact: Scott has climbed 4 of Colorado's "fourteeners" and is a collector of antiquities, specifically pottery from ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, and the Nazca. Scott is running for Mayor of Gilbert.
Natalie DiBernardo
Natalie DiBernardo is an Arizona native who grew up in Mesa, where she graduated from Red Mountain High School. She has been in Gilbert for 18 years and has enjoyed a career in real estate since 2005. Additionally, her family started a nonprofit preschool that integrates social/emotional learning skills, and because of this experience, Natalie began consulting with local business owners to help them turn their business visions into working models. She is raising three teenagers - a daughter and two sons. Fun Fact: Natalie loves riding her horse all around our Town! She rides up and down the canal system and even in Downtown Gilbert. Natalie is running for Mayor of Gilbert.
Town Council Candidates
Aaron Accurso
Aaron was born in Southern California and raised in a military family who was transferred around the country. He attended the College of William and Mary, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with an emphasis in accounting. Upon graduation, he worked for Ferguson Enterprises for 17 years as a buyer, branch credit manager, branch operations manager, and regional purchasing manager. From there, he took a few years to work and serve on behalf of the Catholic Church. Aaron works for Poco Verde Pools & Landscaping and is their Construction Manager. He and his wife, Christine, have been married for 24 years and raised their three children in Gilbert. He regularly attends St. Anne's Catholic Church. Aaron is running for a seat on Gilbert’s Town Council.
Kenny Buckland
Kenny Buckland has enjoyed a career in law enforcement. He served as second in command of a large police department, then as a leader in long-range surveillance technology focusing on protecting national borders. Currently, he serves as the senior sales director at a second-chance company. Kenny holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Command College and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Kenny and his wife of 10 years have a blended family of five adult children and cherish their time with their two grandchildren. Fun Fact: Kenny won the Gold Medal in the 1984 Jr. Olympics in Los Angeles and holds a third-degree black belt in Judo. Kenny is running for a seat on Gilbert’s Town Council.
Monte Lyons
Monte Lyons is a USAF veteran who has worked in the aerospace industry for over 40 years. He holds three degrees, including a Master's in ADR. His career in aerospace included roles in manufacturing, quality, facilities, tooling, business operations, flight test, and operations. Monte has been married to his wife for 40 years; they have seven children and seven grandchildren. They have lived in Gilbert since 2019. Fun Fact: Monte has supported the space program in the Air Force and as a Boeing employee. As a result of his career, he has lived in 7 states and visited 38 of the 50. Monte is running for a seat on Gilbert’s Town Council.
Noah Mundt
Noah Mundt has enjoyed a career in energy, water, and infrastructure. Currently, he leads as a Senior Engineer within the Electric Vehicle group at SRP, where he has a role in shaping the future of electric vehicle integration. Outside of SRP, Noah serves as the Chairman of the Planning Commission for Gilbert and is the Founder and former President of Nexus Integrated Solutions. He was named Phoenix Business Journal's 2018 40 under 40 and recognized for his leadership and involvement as a member of the 2023 class of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship through the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership. Fun Fact: Noah once immersed himself in the world of powerlifting, and he bench-pressed over 600 pounds and deadlifted 800. Noah is running for a seat on Gilbert’s Town Council.