Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Devney Majerle, president and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI).

From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone. 

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026

WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026

Devney Majerle, president and CEO, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI)

Background: Majerle leads community and economic development efforts to advance a vibrant, connected urban core through enhanced municipal services and strategic stakeholder relations. She previously spent nearly a decade with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in marketing partnerships before helping lead major events, including Super Bowl XLIX and the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship. Majerle became executive director of Phoenix Community Alliance in 2016 and was named DPI’s president and CEO in 2019. She serves on multiple local boards and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

Advice to younger self: “Don’t just listen to your intuition — trust it and act on it. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come with uncertainty, and that’s often where the greatest growth happens. Embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable, and stay open to paths that may not have been part of the original plan. Saying yes with confidence can lead to experiences and connections that shape your career in ways you can’t yet predict.”

Surprising fact: “I started my career in social work, supporting teens and young adults as they built the skills needed for success in school, the workforce, and their communities. That experience shaped how I approach my work today, especially the value I place on mentorship. I learned early on the impact of investing in others and continue to carry that forward by serving as a mentor through volunteer board roles to give back.”