The 12 women who made AZRE’s Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate list are an extraordinary bunch. While that seems implied in the recognition, it’s something that goes beyond their professional achievements. Many of these women have held minimum wage jobs, slowly working through the ranks to a C-suite. A few have known the struggles of being a single parent and what it’s like to be the only female voice in a boardroom. All of these women are active in their communities and industry organizations. And, all of them are changing the Arizona landscape one deal, drawing and deadline at a time.

Danielle Casey
Economic development director
City of Scottsdale
Years in the industry: 10

After a long absence, the Scottsdale Economic Development Department was revived in 2013 by Danielle Casey and her team. The department has since visited with more than 150 Scottsdale companies. The past president of the Arizona Association for Economic Development is responsible for executing the city’s initiatives related to new business attraction, business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurial support and revitalization.

What is the hardest professional or personal challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

In many city strategic planning efforts I have successfully completed, taking the time to truly build consensus is highly challenging but ultimately more rewarding. It requires patience, compromise and remembering that getting the product right in the end is better than getting it right now.

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

I am tremendously proud of my time as president of the Arizona Association for Economic Development in 2014-15. The association has never been stronger, all due to amazing volunteers and staff.

What is your most memorable deal or project and why?

Working with Banner Health to bring the first healthcare center to the City of Maricopa, because it served a huge public need in the community and was the result of years of commitment and partnership.

What is your favorite part of your job?

It feels amazing to meet someone who just got hired at a company that you had a hand in bringing into the community.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and how did that aspiration affect your career?

I wanted to work in a museum and be an anthropologist (with a huge crush on Indiana Jones). Surprisingly, the study of people, places and culture translates well to business development.

What is one little-known fact about you?

I am pretty handy and love old cars. My first car was a VW Bug I bought with babysitting money and rebuilt with my dad.