The city of Goodyear has named Michelle Rider as the city’s new economic development director, Goodyear City Manager Brian Dalke announced earlier this week.

Rider was selected out of a field of more than 40 candidates and four finalists after a nationwide search.

“I’m excited to add Michelle to our team,” said Dalke, who was Goodyear’s first economic development director. “She comes to us with nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Michelle’s expertise, knowledge of the West Valley, and leadership qualities are the perfect complement to our team.”

Rider currently serves as the President and CEO for WESTMARC – the coalition of the West Valley cities and towns, business community, and education sector – where she worked to implement a strategic plan and lead an aggressive effort in economic development and public policy advocacy.

Prior to taking the helm at WESTMARC, Rider served as senior vice president of external relations at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

“Goodyear is a very progressive, diverse, and growing city. This opportunity will let me bring my skills and experience to a community I am familiar with,” said Rider, a Goodyear resident. “I am excited to make the move to Goodyear.”

Among some of Rider’s top priorities in her new role will be: fostering job creation; leveraging the city’s assets such as the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport, Loop 303 and Interstate 10; and enhancing retail and entertainment.

A native of Arizona, Rider graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She interned for U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, and worked at several non-profits in Washington, D.C., including the Cato Institute and Citizens for a Sound Economy. She is the granddaughter of former Arizona Governor and U.S. Sen. Paul Jones Fannin.

Rider will officially join Goodyear on Jan. 5 at an annual salary of $122,760.