Harry Mitchell

Harry Mitchell is considered the most impactful Arizonan of All-Time. He has taught government to thousands of high school students and has a storied career in public service. As a Tempe council member and mayor for 24 years, he collaborated across political divides to create the Sister City program, bring the Fiesta Bowl to national prominence, the NFL Cardinals and a Super Bowl to Tempe, and redeveloped downtown Tempe into a vibrant destination. He also helped land Chase Bank and America West Airlines employment centers in Tempe. Mitchell was also a strong advocate for the disabled community and in retirement continues his work in the field of supporting families with members dealing with memory issues.

Born July 18, 1940 in Tempe, AZ
Graduated Tempe (AZ) High School 1958
Bachelor of Political Science and Master's of Public Administration Arizona State University

Government teacher, Tempe High School, 1964-1992
Tempe City Council 1970-1978
Tempe Mayor 1978-1994
Arizona State Senator 1999-2006
United States Congressman 2007-2011

Mitchell and his wife, Marianne, have two children. Their son, Mark Mitchell, is a former mayor of Tempe. Other politically active members of his family have included his brother, Robert Mitchell, who served as mayor and council member of Casa Grande, and his grandfather, William W. Mitchell Sr., who served as a state legislator. Mitchell is a Catholic. Marianne Mitchell died on May 27, 2019, after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's disease, the city of Tempe announced on May 29. She was 78.