Experienced Economic Development Services Director with a strong background in leading development teams and overseeing project lifecycles. Proven track record in driving strategic initiatives and delivering high-quality outcomes. Demonstrated leadership and effective communication skills. Passionate about contributing to the growth and success of the City of xxxxxx.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Economic Development Manager
City of El Mirage, El Mirage AZ
01.2013 - Current
12 years’ experience as Economic Development leader responsible for planning, management, budget, and application of the City Economic Development Program.
Develops marketing program to promote El Mirage assets to national and international prospects. Advanced level speaker, 25 market presentations, represents the City at public and private meetings and regional events.
Researches and submits leads to GPEC and ACA, submitted over 22 lead proposals, recognized by GPEC for quality submittals. Performs site analysis, demographics, workforce, taxes, utilities, incentives, and transportation data.
Active participant in negotiations of incentives, completed commercial sales training, excellent ability to adapt to client needs in the negotiation process. Great reputation in development and real estate entities. Active in West Valley Real Estate Group, Valley Partnership, GPEC, ACA, ICSC, MAG, and WESTMARC.
Member of El Mirage Senior Staff presents at City Council meetings, chamber of commerce, and multiple organizations. Panel speaker on numerous economic development topics to include: regional workforce and downtown revitalization.
Serves on several economic development committees to include: MAG POPTAC, Luke Planning, WESTMARC Economic Development Committee, West Valley Regional Chamber and Board Member, and GPEC Ambassador.
Effectively works with internal staff. Serves on Site Plan Technical Advisory Committee, Planning & Zoning, Dysart Community Center, and Community Uplift.
Vice President/Program Manager
Arizona Commerce Authority/Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ
01.2004 - 01.2012
Served as primary economic development consultant for 78 cities and towns, 22 tribes, and 7 economic development regions to coordinated new business prospect activity, promote commercial sites, identify service or location deficiencies, and collaborate with Arizona rural expansion projects.
Arizona Main Street Program State Coordinator. Provided networking, advocacy, and encouragement to participating local Main Street programs; provided technical assistance with local businesses regarding job training, employee recruitment, social media, façade improvements and financing.
Coordinated Arizona Commerce Authority new business leads. Researched financial data and prepared prospect responses on incentives, taxes, and doing business in Arizona. Collaborated lead ownership with Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Completed Prospect Information Forms (PIF’s) and sent site information to new leads. Vetted over 57 company leads from global to national.
Implemented target marketing strategy to attract Fortune 500 Company seeking to build a tire manufacturing plant. Researched labor, transportation, incentives, and site data. Identified large customers and solicited their support. Provided comprehensive location package that included costs and comparative analysis.
Recognized as expert in networking, as well as building and fostering long-term business relationships. Established and maintained the largest database of contacts and prospects in the department.
Education
M.B.A. - Management
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO
01.2002
Management
Excelsior
Albany, NY
01.1999
Skills
Market analysis
Clear communication in presentations
Curriculum planning
Program planning
Verbal and written communication
Customer service
Time management
Decision-making
Relationship building
Business development
Lead generation
Trend analysis
Accomplishments
Attracted sixteen non-retail businesses to the City of El Mirage to include Microsoft, CarMax, Avanti, and Compass, over $850 million capital investment and 2,500 jobs.
Attracted 12 restaurants, 6 retail stores, 24/7 Emergency Center, and car wash locate to the City.
Awarded WESTMARC’s Chairman Recognition Award 2022, Economic Developer of the Year-Small Community 2020, Chair, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Economic Development Directors Team 2021, Board of Director for GPEC 2021, Board Chair, Theater Works 2020-2023.
As State Business Attraction Vice President, Managed 49 recruitment leads, 25 prospect trips, 4 trade shows, and assisted with 3 international visits. Credited with gaining five new locates, $47 million in capital investments, and 728 new jobs.
Awarded and managed five federal Economic Development Administration grants for various statewide economic development projects. Recognition Award by Arizona Department of Commerce for Economic Development Achievement by leadership.
Affiliations
19 years’ economic development experience, 14 years’ state and city business attraction, 5 years’ experience as federal grant writer and State Program Manager.
Expert level public speaker, proven state and city incentive negotiator, effective communicator with city executive management, certified life skills trainer.
12 years’ economic development experience in the West Valley. Board Member of Greater Maricopa Foreign Trade Zone, regional workforce development strategies, West Valley Real Estate Group, and statewide economic development leaders.
MBA from Webster University, Arizona Real Estate License, member National Association of Sales Professionals, and Leadership West graduate Class 22.
AZEDPro Certified Arizona Association for Economic Development, Certified Professional Salesperson Certificate, 23-year Air Force veteran with superintendent level supervisory and budget skills.
Certification
AZEDPro, Arizona Association for Economic Development - 2020
Timeline
Economic Development Manager
City of El Mirage, El Mirage AZ
01.2013 - Current
Vice President/Program Manager
Arizona Commerce Authority/Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ
Director of Operations – Grants Management & Donor Engagement at Jewish Family & Children’s ServiceDirector of Operations – Grants Management & Donor Engagement at Jewish Family & Children’s Service