The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), recognized as a top economic development organization last week for the fourth time in five years, today released its FY24 annual report and announced the 13 new members rolling onto its board of directors. The report shows GPEC helped 49 companies expand or relocate into the region last fiscal year.
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GPEC’s governing board, which now consists of 89 accomplished regional leaders, provides a meaningful voice in organization priorities and strategies for advancing regional competitiveness focused on emerging and innovative sectors that enable an anti-fragile, equitable economy that allows all residents to benefit and prosper. This esteemed group includes leaders with expertise in workforce development, banking, law, healthcare innovation, electric vehicles, real estate development and more.
The officer roles have officially shifted to Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall as Chair, Flinn Foundation President & CEO Tammy McLeod as Vice Chair, and Quarles and Brady President Brad Vynalek as Secretary. Ron Butler will continue to serve as Treasurer.
“For 35 years, GPEC has strategically transformed Greater Phoenix into a center for business opportunity, innovation and excellence,” Hall said. “We are proud to welcome these new board members to GPEC. Their diverse backgrounds offer unique voices and perspectives that will contribute to the strategic growth of this dynamic market.”
The expertise of board members has helped GPEC maintain a strong standing compared to peers and markets around the world. In the first quarter of FY25, GPEC received the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)’s Economic Development Organization of the Year Silver Award in recognition of its ongoing strategy and impact. In FY24, GPEC helped 49 companies expand or relocate into the region, creating 7,431 jobs and $3 billion in capital investment.
“GPEC is the driving force behind innovation, consistently setting the standard for economic development and expanding its delivery model to meet market needs. What truly sets GPEC apart is its unwavering commitment to its communities and partners, fostering growth in local startup support, arts and culture, and aligning both legacy and emerging industries. With unparalleled expertise within the organization and on its board, GPEC leads successful initiatives that shape the future of economic growth and innovation,” said McLeod.
GPEC’s ascent as an international leader in economic development is rooted in a future-focused philosophy, which agilely adapts tactics to fulfill market needs. Over the past year, the organization has played a role in significant events hosted in the region, including supporting the IEDC Leadership Summit and leading an official U.S. Commerce SelectUSA Spinoff. In addition, GPEC facilitated a delegation of Greater Phoenix leaders visiting Washington, D.C. to meet with cabinet-level officials, heads of national organizations and members of Congress to discuss regional priorities within aerospace and defense, biosciences, climate technologies, foreign direct investment and infrastructure resiliency.
“We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our market, driven by collaboration over the last 35 years,” said President & CEO Chris Camacho. “Intentional planning and inventive thinking have propelled the maturation of the region, and GPEC will continue visioning and advancing strategies to further Greater Phoenix’s standing as a top global destination for innovation and growth.”
To cultivate growing international interest in Greater Phoenix and develop further connections, awareness and business attraction on a global scale, GPEC hosted four market visits of companies and leaders from countries including Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Singapore and the Philippines and attended six international conferences including SelectUSA events in Washington, D.C., Montreal, Vancouver and Mexico City, SEMICON Europe in Munich, and TBIC Annual Conference in Atlanta. The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with Startup Island TAIWAN in August 2023 and supported the French American Chamber of Commerce’s Arizona Chapter launch in September 2023.
Locally, GPEC continued its dedicated work supporting Greater Phoenix communities and partnering to advance innovation, including a successful application for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs strategy grant and establishment of the Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier Strategy Development Consortium (MDM2). To further invest in local entrepreneurship and startups, GPEC entered a formal partnership with StartupAZ to support their programs, which cultivate a dynamic, founder-centric ecosystem.
Explore the full annual report here.
“The strength of our board lies in its ability to unite leaders from varied sectors, creating a dynamic space for collaboration that informs GPEC’s trajectory,” said Chief Operating Officer Maureen Howell. “By leveraging the insights and experience of our board members, we are able to anticipate market shifts and adapt swiftly, ensuring that the region remains a leader in innovation and economic resilience.”
Below is a list of the new members on GPEC’s board, including two representatives from Pinal County who joined the regional partnership in FY24.
- Daniel Barajas, Chief Officer for Workforce and Economic Development, Maricopa County Community College District
- Jennifer Stein, Director of Economic Development Services Department, City of Peoria
- Mary Fedewa, President & CEO, STORE Capital
- Ciaran McMullan, Chairman & CEO, Southwest Heritage Bank
- Roshanak Didehban, Chief Administrative Officer, Mayo Clinic
- Andrew Geier, Executive Vice President, Layton Construction
- Joe Hughes, Managing Director Global Government Affairs, American Airlines
- Daniel Keaveney, Vice President, Gilbane Building Company
- Corey Berends, CEO, Footprint
- Anthony Houston, President of Arizona Market, Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health)
- Michael Cruz, Senior Manager of State Public Policy, Lucid Motors
- Supervisor Mike Goodman, Pinal County
- Councilmember Brian Jones, Town of Wickenburg
View GPEC’s full board here.
