Few leaders have done more to reshape the trajectory of Arizona’s West Valley than Sintra Hoffman.
“Sintra Hoffman has been a force for economic growth and collaboration in the West Valley,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. “During her tenure at WESTMARC, she didn’t just advocate for our region, she changed the scope of what the West Valley can become. Her vision, relentless energy and unique ability to bring regional partners together have played a vital role in the West Valley’s growth and Buckeye’s own rapid growth and success.”
When Hoffman became CEO of WESTMARC a decade ago, the region was often viewed through an outdated lens — a retirement destination with untapped potential and little recognition as an economic force. Today, the West Valley stands as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the Southwest, attracting billions of dollars in investment, world-class employers, major entertainment destinations and an ever-growing population.
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Now, after 10 years leading the region’s premier economic development organization, Hoffman is stepping into a new role that promises to expand her impact beyond the West Valley and across Arizona. She is launching Sintra Strategies, a consulting firm focused on helping communities, developers, government agencies and business leaders align around complex infrastructure and economic development initiatives not only in the West Valley, but across the state.
“It’s the right time,” Hoffman said, noting that after reaching her 10-year milestone at WESTMARC, she felt she had accomplished many of the goals she set when she accepted the position.
“Sintra has done an outstanding job leading the WESTMARC team and has positioned us well for continued growth and success in the West Valley. Her enthusiasm and dedication will be missed,” said Bridget Schwartz-Manock, the chair of WESTMARC’s board of directors. “She will leave big shoes to fill. Sintra will remain in her role until the new president and CEO begins, allowing WESTMARC to make a smooth transition and keeping the organization’s impact on level footing.”
Hoffman’s accomplishments as the leader of WESTMARC are difficult to overstate.
During Hoffman’s tenure, the West Valley grew by roughly 400,000 residents — an average of more than 100 new residents every day. But perhaps her greatest contribution wasn’t population growth. It was changing perceptions.
For years, Hoffman became the region’s most recognizable ambassador, traveling throughout Arizona and beyond to challenge outdated narratives with facts, data and a compelling vision of what the West Valley could become. She consistently reminded developers, corporate executives and site selectors that the region offered far more than available land — it offered talent, infrastructure, opportunity and an unmatched quality of life.
Her message resonated.
Today, the West Valley is home to advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, sports, entertainment and rapidly expanding residential communities. National developers are investing heavily. Major employers continue to relocate and expand. What was once overlooked has become one of Arizona’s most sought-after regions for investment.
Hoffman credits much of that transformation to persistence.
Rather than waiting for others to discover the West Valley, she took its story directly to them — speaking at conferences, meeting with developers, presenting market data and creating a new narrative backed by credible research. That disciplined approach helped transform skepticism into confidence.
While Hoffman is proud of helping redefine the West Valley’s image, she believes its greatest opportunities still lie ahead.
“The West Valley is stronger than it’s ever been,” Hoffman said. “It’s definitely an area that people as a land filled with new opportunities.”
She points to transportation infrastructure, higher education expansion and research and development as the next building blocks for long-term prosperity. Her new consulting practice will allow her to focus on exactly those types of transformational projects, serving as the connector who brings public agencies, private industry, developers and community leaders together around a shared vision.
That role is uniquely suited to Hoffman, whose career includes experience in transportation, local government and regional economic development. She has built a reputation as someone who can navigate complexity, unite diverse stakeholders and move ambitious projects forward.
Although Sintra Strategies will launch from the West Valley, Hoffman’s vision reaches far beyond it. With relationships across Arizona and decades of experience building consensus, she plans to help communities throughout the state tackle infrastructure challenges, accelerate economic development and position themselves for future growth.
Her title may be changing, but her mission remains the same — building a region filled opportunity and innovation. In her next chapter, she aims to do the same for projects and communities across Arizona — bringing strategy, collaboration and visionary leadership to the initiatives that will shape the state’s future.
“Having served on the WESTMARC board of directors for five years as the Glendale representative, I witnessed first-hand Sintra’s remarkable ability to bridge communities and unite diverse leaders,” said Ray Malnar, vice mayor of Glendale. “Her unwavering commitment to regional collaboration transformed our shared economic landscape, creating a unified voice for the West Valley that will drive prosperity for generations. While her visionary leadership will be deeply missed, the strong foundation of partnership she established leaves our region exceptionally well-positioned for the future.”
Schwartz-Manock said WESTMARC’s board of directors is currently looking for a new president and CEO. Details about the position here.
