Wally Nichols is most remembered for bringing back a sense of calm to the Fountain Hills government scene. Mr. Nichols became mayor after defeating Jon Beydler in a divisive recall election in 2003. He said he would bring new leadership that had made him a successful businessman. A graduate of the Harvard Business School, he has served in numerous corporate and private business management positions. He was senior vice president of Premark International, a $2 billion company; a vice president of Dart & Kraft International, Inc., a $20 billion world-wide company; managing director of Nichols & Wharton, Inc.; executive director of WorldatWork, a $20 million Scottsdale non-profit association with over 26,000 members; and chairman of Hawk Enterprises, based in Fountain Hills.
      In addition to his service as mayor for five years, he also served as a board member and chairman of the Fountain Hills Sanitary District. Also active in local clubs and organizations, he served as chairman of the Community Center Advisory Commission and the Fountain Hills Boys & Girls Club. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Community Theater, Senior Center, Civic Association and theLibrary Association. He is also a past member of the Noon Kiwanis Club and the Fountain Hills Republican Club.