Acknowledged as a top development organization for Arizona’s economy four times in the past five years, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), has revealed its annual report for Fiscal Year 2024 while also announcing 13 new members of the board of directors on Monday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Up to 89 “accomplished regional leaders” make up GPEC’s governing board who strive to create a better economy for all residents to live in. Some work areas these board members are in include healthcare innovation, banking, workforce development, electric vehicles, real estate development, law, etc.
Being an influential figure across the state and in the local communities, Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall is the Chair for GPEC. Flinn Foundation President & CEO Tammy McLeod is the Vice Chair, and Quarles and Brady President Brad Vynalek is the Secretary. The Treasurer for GPEC will remain Ron Butler.
Here are the new board members of GPEC:
- 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
“For 35 years, GPEC has strategically transformed Greater Phoenix into a center for business opportunity, innovation and excellence,” Hall said in a press release. “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.”
In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 25, GPEC won the International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Organization of the Year Silver Award for its “ongoing strategy and impact.”
Last Fiscal Year, GPEC contributed to the expansion and relocation of 49 companies, which created 7,431 jobs and boasted $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,” McLeod said in the release. “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”
Companies and leaders from Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Singapore and the Philippines are just some of the countries that GPEC has hosted market visits in the Greater Phoenix area, building relationships and connections with some of the most innovative nations around the world.
Making a substantial impact around the Valley, GPEC’s application for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs strategy grant and the creation of the Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier Strategy Development Consortium (MDM2) were both successful.
If interested in viewing the full annual report, click here.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers ASU Athletics, the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
