Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — honors the talented people and compelling projects across Arizona’s commercial real estate landscape. Each day leading up to the PTK launch party, we will be spotlighting the influential professionals and projects featured in the 2027 edition of PTK. Today, meet the Arizona economic developers to know in 2027.

AZ Big Media will host a launch party to commemorate the 2027 edition of PTK in on Oct. 29, 2026. The Presenting Sponsors for the PTK 2027 edition magazine launch party are Lincoln and Harvard Investments; the Premier Sponsor is Wolverine Builders; the Event Sponsors are DFDG Architecture and Layton; the Photobooth Sponsor is Chasse Building Team; the Digital Sponsor is ModLogics Commercial Furniture Solutions; the Social Media Sponsor is Tempe Mechanical; the Red Carpet Sponsor is Concord General Contracting; the Entertainment Sponsor is Gensler; the Appetizer Sponsor is Stevens-Leinweber Construction; the Dessert Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial; the Lanyard Sponsor is BPR Companies; the Beverage Sponsor is LGE Design Build; the Valet Sponsor is Clayco; the Interactive Champagne Wall Sponsor is PDO, a studio of RDC; the Floral Sponsor is Empire Paving; the Seating Sponsor is Corporate Interior Systems; the Champagne Sponsor is Milhaus; and the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers. For more information, click here.

Jaye O’Donnell

Economic development director

City of Mesa

BACKGROUND: O’Donnell leads a team of 17 professionals, setting the strategic direction for business attraction, retention, redevelopment and entrepreneurship while guiding policy development and fostering cross-functional collaboration across city departments. 

SOURCE OF PRIDE: In FY25, Mesa secured 47 relocation and expansion projects — 27% above target. These projects delivered 5 million square feet of commercial development and $3.49 billion in capital investment and created 3,370 high-quality jobs.

Lori Collins

Director of business and economic development

Mesa Gateway Airport

BACKGROUND: With more than two decades of experience in airport management and economic development across Greater Phoenix, Collins leads the team responsible for advancing the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority’s economic development strategy and driving key revenue generating initiatives.

SOURCE OF PRIDE: “Unlocking the undeveloped east side of Mesa Gateway Airport. Once the Master Development Agreement with the Boyer Company was executed and the initial infrastructure was complete, the nearly 300 acres of land on the east side of Mesa Gateway were activated for development. It is now home to Gulfstream Aerospace and XNRGY Climate Systems.”

Maria Laughner

Economic development director

City of Peoria

BACKGROUND: Laughner comes to Peoria from the City of Mesa, where she served as the deputy economic development director of strategic initiative, tageting businesses in the aerospace and defense, semiconductor and climate technologies industries. 

SURPRISING FACT: “I started my career as an archaeologist, then moved to Madrid to become an English professor before I went back to school to get an MBA in international management. I also speak three languages and drink Turkish coffee every day!”

Micah Miranda

Economic development director

City of Chandler

BACKGROUND: In his role,  Miranda is responsible for executing the city’s economic development strategy and managing a team of eight professionals. In FY25, the department supported more than 21 companies in locating, expanding, and staying in Chandler. Combined, these projects are expected to provide 2,280 Chandler-based jobs in the coming years, absorb more than 1.1 million square feet of space and make a capital investment of more than $98 million.

SOURCE OF PRIDE: “Being named Policymaker of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona.”

Ryan Touhill

Community and economic development director

City of Phoenix

BACKGROUND: Touhill brings nearly two decades of experience in local government and economic development, most recently serving as director of Arlington Economic Development in Virginia. Under his leadership, AED secured millions in new investment and supported the creation of thousands of jobs.

FAVORITE PROJECT: “The purchase of Sky Harbor airport by the City of Phoenix in 1935 from the Acme Investment Company for $100,000 has been one of the most impactful projects in Arizona’s history. With its central location and award-winning service, Sky Harbor moves people and goods across the globe generating an annual economic impact of $44.3 billion.”