PHOENIX, ARIZ. (July 20, 2023) — The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) has elected new members to its Board of Directors that represent both rural and metro communities across the state.
The new board members representing rural Arizona include Jack Fitchett, AZED Pro, Business Attraction Manager at the City of Flagstaff; and Maggie Tidaback, AZED Pro, Economic Development Manager at the Town of Chino Valley. Richard Hernandez, AZED Pro, Executive Director of Government Relations at Yavapai College was re-elected to the board of directors to represent rural Arizona.
Jaye O’Donnell, Assistant Economic Development Director with the City of Mesa was newly elected to the board of directors to represent metro Arizona. Re-elected members include Suzie Boyles, AZED Pro, Economic Development Director at the City of Buckeye; Amanda Bruno, AZED Pro, Government Relations Representative with Tucson Electric Power; and Rebecca Timmer, AZED Pro.
Continuing as advisors to the board of directors are Mackenzie Fitz-Gerald, AZED Pro, Economic Development Associate at Arizona Public Service; Jamie Kerr, Vice President of Rural Economic Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority; and Chad Schleicher, Economic Development Program Manager with the City of Tempe.
Newly appointed to one-year terms as advisory members are Melissa Johnson, AZED Pro, Director of Business Development and Marketing with Danson Construction; Richard Wilkie, CEcD, AZED Pro, Economic Development Director with the City of Casa Grande; and Curt Woody, AZED Pro, Economic Development Director with the Town of Marana.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these seasoned economic developers to our Board of Directors,” said Skip Becker, President of the Executive Committee. “As the voice of economic development throughout the state, AAED, under the leadership of these committed volunteers, will be in good hands under their direction as we continue to grow our economy.”
About AAED
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) was founded in 1974 with a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. The Association works to promote economic development in the State of Arizona through an exchange of information and educational opportunities among its members, to act as a liaison with outside groups, to influence legislation affecting economic development, and to empower members to create relationships to improve the economic outlook for Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
