The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Board of Directors met Thursday, September 22 for its Annual Meeting, approving the new slate of officers and nine new board members. The newly elected Board Chairman is Chris Zaharis, Executive Vice President of Empire Southwest, who serves on the GPEC Board on behalf of Maricopa County. Other officers include Tammy McLeod, Vice President of Energy Resource Management at Arizona Public Service, as Vice Chair; Andy Warren, President of Maracay Homes, as Secretary; and R. Neil Irwin, Partner at Bryan Cave, LLP, remains as Treasurer.
Zaharis replaces outgoing chairman Don Smith, former President and CEO of CopperPoint Mutual, who served as chairman during fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
“I would like to recognize Don for his dedication to GPEC and his leadership in allowing GPEC to execute its mission,” said Chris Zaharis. “I look forward to continuing his good work, serving alongside a talented board of directors who are committed to strengthening Greater Phoenix’s economic future.”
The newest members of the Board include David Adame, President & CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.; The Honorable Jenn Daniels, Mayor, Town of Gilbert; Jason Earp, Economic Development Director, City of Tolleson; Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Chancellor, Maricopa Community Colleges; Chris Koch, President & CEO, The Carlisle Companies; Mike Madsen, VP, Integrated Supply Chain, Honeywell Aerospace; and, Craig McFarland, Mayor-Elect, City of Casa Grande.
Additionally, Stephanie Hertzberg, Principal, Director of Business Development, SmithGroup JJR who serves as the Chair of GPEC’s Community Building Consortium; and Jeanine Jerkovic, Economic Development Director, City of Surprise, who serves as the Chair of the Economic Development Directors Team, have been named to the board.
“The GPEC Board is comprised of public and private sector industry leaders whose expertise and sound guidance will be extremely beneficial to the organization as we implement the first year of our three-year strategic plan,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Chris Zaharis’ business acumen and leadership will ensure GPEC continues to be a leader in economic development, attracting quality businesses to Greater Phoenix and creating a sustainable, vibrant economy.”
A full list of the fiscal year 2017 GPEC Board of Directors and Executive Committee can be found here.
