Joe Zhao
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Phone: 804-657-7218
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Mail code: 3720Campus: Phoenix
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Joe Zhao, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor at ASU and a distinguished expert in state and local government, with over 16 years of experience in performance management, process improvement, management consulting, strategic planning, and policy research. He co-founded one of the nation’s first city nudge teams—the Mesa Behavioral Insights Team (Mesa Nudge Team). Under his leadership, the team has expanded its membership from 14 to 25 professionals, representing every public service department in the city, including Police, Fire, and Parks. The team collaborates closely with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) to drive cross-departmental projects using behavioral science and the E.A.S.T framework.
Dr. Zhao has shared his expertise at prominent national events, presenting at the Workshop on Behavioral Economics: Exploring Applications and Research Methods of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in July 2022 and the conference on Behavioral Economics: Policy Applications and Practical Guidance for State and Local Initiatives of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in March 2024.
In his role, Dr. Zhao developed the City’s first AI Policy and is leading the efforts to partner with start-ups and tech companies—including AI firms—to pilot cutting-edge technologies across city operations and public services. Those pilots have advanced municipal innovation, improved service delivery, and supported local job growth. Dr. Zhao holds an AI certification from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Zhao is a highly dedicated local government professional with over 16 years of experience in performance management, process improvement, management consulting, strategic planning, and policy research. He has held various key roles, including positions in the City Manager's Office of Mesa, AZ, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer of Richmond, VA, the Mayor’s Office of Kansas City, MO, and the State Deputy Comptroller’s Office for New York City, NY, among others.
Joe is a Certified Public Manager, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Balanced Scorecard Professional specializing in Strategic Planning. He served as the Vice-Chair of Valley Benchmark Communities from 2022 to 2024 and co-founded the International Network of Asian Public Administrators – Arizona (I-NAPA AZ), where he currently serves as President
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Behavioral Science and Public Policy
- Performance Management
- AI and Government Innovation (i-GOV)
- Strategic Planning
- Data Management
- Process Improvement
Presenter, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Workshop on Behavioral Economics: Exploring Applications and Research Methods (7/2022)
Presenter, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Behavioral Economics: Policy Applications and Practical Guidance for State and Local Initiatives (3/2024)
Courses
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| PAF 494 | Special Topics |
| PAF 494 | Special Topics |
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
| PAF 591 | Seminar |
Vice-Chair, Valley Benchmark Communities (2022-24)