Mayor Wheatley recently announced a leave of absence to focus on family. Having served as a Council member since 2010 and as Mayor since 2023, Mayor Wheatley expressed the importance of spending this time with her children and husband. During the leave of absence, Vice Mayor Leah Martineau and the Council will fulfill any mayoral duties. The Town appreciates the Mayor’s 15 years of dedicated service and looks forward to welcoming her back in late fall 2025.

Mayor Wheatley shared "One of the qualities that makes Queen Creek so special is our community’s shared commitment to being family-friendly. That same value has motivated me to take an unusual but meaningful step for my own family. My children have never known a time when I have not served in elected office, and taking this opportunity will allow me to give them the dedicated time they deserve.

I will be taking a leave of absence from my duties on the Town Council. I plan to step away from my mayoral responsibilities until late fall. I will not be accepting my Mayoral stipend during this time. I am grateful for the Council’s support and willingness to assist with meetings and responsibilities, and with the dedication of our Town staff, I have every confidence that Queen Creek will continue to be well served in my absence.

It has been an honor to serve this community for the past 15 years, and I look forward to returning to continue that service. I am sincerely grateful for the understanding and support of this community that I love."

Media Contact:
Constance Halonen-Wilson, Communications & Marketing Manager
480-358-3195
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov