News Summary
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) has announced the addition of 13 new members to its Board of Directors, growing its total membership to 92. The new appointees reflect a variety of public and private sectors and will support GPEC’s mission to enhance regional competitiveness. Changes in leadership include Brooke Westemeier as the new Treasurer and Christine Mackay as President & CEO. GPEC’s achievements in attracting 54 businesses, creating over 7,200 jobs, and fostering international interest highlight its ongoing commitment to economic development.
Greater Phoenix – The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) recently announced significant updates as it welcomes 13 new members to its Board of Directors, increasing its governing body to a total of 92 members. This diverse board represents a wide array of public and private organizations from across the Greater Phoenix area, all united in advancing regional competitiveness, particularly within high-tech and leading-edge sectors.
Among the new appointments, Brooke Westemeier has been named the Treasurer, taking over from Ron Butler, who served in the role since fiscal year 2022. Additionally, Christine Mackay will assume the role of President & CEO on October 13, succeeding Interim CEO Thomas Maynard, who has played a crucial role during the transitional period.
GPEC’s mission remains steadfast as it enters its 36th year, focusing on positioning Greater Phoenix as an economic hub and drawing international business interest. The organization’s ongoing efforts have started to yield notable results. In fiscal year 2025, GPEC successfully attracted 54 businesses, marking one of the strongest years in the agency’s history.
These newly attracted businesses contributed a remarkable $572 million in payroll while simultaneously generating 7,206 new jobs for the region. Among these, 4,983 positions are classified as high-wage, with an impressive average salary of $91,206. The initial phase of these company expansions has represented a total capital investment of $7.2 billion.
GPEC’s achievements have also been recognized through numerous accolades. In September 2024, GPEC was awarded a silver rating as the Top Economic Development Organization by the International Economic Development Council. This recognition was followed by GPEC being named the Large Organization of the Year by the Arizona Association for Economic Development in April 2025 and recognized as a top economic development organization by Mac Conway for the ninth consecutive year in May 2025.
A significant indicator of GPEC’s growing international appeal is the fact that a record 30% of its total prospect pipeline originated from international territories. This growth in global interest has been bolstered by GPEC’s participation in 14 international conferences and undertaking 22 separate missions, both inbound and outbound. Furthermore, the organization has been instrumental in assisting businesses through its Arizona International Soft Landing Experience (AISLE) program in collaboration with Arizona State University.
Interim CEO Thomas Maynard reiterated the significance of promoting Arizona’s diverse supply chains and talented workforce as critical components of GPEC’s strategy moving forward. Chief Operating Officer Maureen Howell commended the new board members on their ability to make analytical decisions, which is paramount to maintaining GPEC’s leading status in economic development.
The board members were officially approved at GPEC’s annual meeting, which also recognized 11 midyear appointees who joined in March 2025. The growth and renewal of the board signify a robust commitment to GPEC’s mission and a proactive approach to fostering economic and business development in the region.
As GPEC sets its sights on the future, the focus will continue to be on enhancing the Greater Phoenix area’s competitive edge and ensuring a stable, thriving economy that attracts businesses from around the globe.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thomas Maynard Appointed Interim CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Additional Resources
- AZ Big Media: GPEC Attracts 54 Businesses
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- AZ Central: GPEC President Hired by Axon
- Google Search: Greater Phoenix Economic Council
- Signals AZ: Semicon West 2023
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Semiconductors
- ABC15: GPEC Names Thomas Maynard as Interim CEO
- Google News: Semicon West 2023
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
