My commitment to community has always come from a deep sense of responsibility to the places I’ve called home. Through service and leadership, I’ve tried to give back in ways that help the people around me. I’ve always believed that good governance begins with listening, and I worked to pair sound management practices with the values of residents who call Fountain Hills home.
Professional Background
Gerry Friedel has nearly four decades of experience in the financial sector, which he leverages as a core part of his professional identity.
Banking Industry—39 total years of experience
- Loan Officer: 24 years
- Financial Planner: 15 years
Education
- BA in Bank Management/Finance from North Central College
- Certificate in Financial Planning from Loyola Business School
Government & Civic Experience
Friedel has a mix of local government experience and community leadership roles:
- Town Council: Served as a Council Member for 4.5 years.
- Mayor: Served as Mayor for 1.5 years.
- Local Commissions: Served on the Strategic Planning Commission for the Town of Fountain Hills.
- Party Leadership: Served as Precinct and State Committeeman for LD3.
- Non-Profit: Served 10 years on the Board of Directors for the YMCA in Illinois.
- Volunteerism
Supports many volunteer opportunities including Make a Difference Day, Home Delivered Meals, Fountain Hills Unified School District and Extended Hands Foodbank to name a few. Gerry was named Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
Community Involvement & Personal Life
My wife Barb and I have been full-time Fountain Hills resident for 12 years and property owners for 35 years.
- Memberships: Member of the Fountain Hills Sons of the American Legion.
- Athletics: Former triathlete with over 100 races completed, including the first Fountain Hills half marathon.
Mayor’s Turkey Trot Challenge Raises More Than $13,000 for Extended Hands Food Bank
What started as a friendly Thanksgiving challenge is now a major win for the community. As part of the Mayor’s Challenge at this year’s 5K Turkey Trot & Fitness Run, Mayor Friedel pledged to donate $1 to Extended Hands Food Bank for every runner who beat his official race time of 27:56.
Key Policy Focus
Gerry’s platform emphasizes a “fresh look” at town solutions through the lens of financial expertise. His core pillars include:
Fiscal Responsibility
Utilizing his banking background to manage town finances
Accountability
Ensuring government actions are answerable to the public
Transparency
Promoting open communication regarding town decisions