James Smith, CEcD
Director, Business Development
A.R. Mays Construction
Member since 2019
James Smith has nearly 25 years of experience in business and economic development. He is currently Director, Business Development – primarily focused on public sector work – for A.R. Mays Construction, a general contractor based in Scottsdale, AZ. Previously, he served as the Economic and Workforce Development Director for Pinal County, AZ, leading organizational efforts to attract capital investment and jobs to the region, while also seeking to help ensure the workforce was prepared for the jobs of the future. He also served as the Economic Development Director for the Town of Fountain Hills, AZ.
Smith held various positions in the Economic Development Department in his 12+ years with the City of Chandler AZ, assisting in the location and/or expansion of major corporations, including several Fortune 500 companies. He holds Bachelor’s (Economics) and Master’s (Public Administration) degrees – both from San Jose State University. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OUEDI), he is also recognized as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). In addition, he has achieved the Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation through Arizona State University.
Please describe your involvement in AAED.
I have been very involved in the organization, frequently attending luncheons, summits, and other events, including nearly every Spring Conference while a member and most Fall Forums during the past 10 years. I was responsible for organizing joint AAED/ICSC Retail Symposia for several years and received the President’s Award for these efforts. During this time, I also facilitated courses on retail-focused economic development. In addition, I have served on several committees as a member and/or Board Liaison. I have also served as a Mentor in the Mentorship Program on two occasions. While serving as the Economic Development Director in Pinal County, I frequently supported events through sponsorships at AAED conferences. I’ve also served on the AAED Board of Directors for the past four years.
Which committees have you served on?
Events, Spring Conference, Awards, Government Affairs, Retail Symposium (ad hoc committee).
Why do you want to serve as a member of the AAED Board of Directors?
I would like to continue serving on the AAED Board of Directors because I believe I add value to the organization due to a firm understanding of its history and mission. In addition, my significant economic development and private sector experience also provides the foundation to help the organization continue to evolve and move forward – making it the preeminent organization for economic development in the State. Among the reasons I am prepared to and desire to continue serving are:
First, I want to help ensure that the organization continues to be run efficiently and effectively so that it can thrive well into the future.
Second, I want to assist in the continuation of the organization’s focus on working with other like-minded organizations to bring quality projects to the State and encourage policies that support economic development – pushing back against NIMBYism.
Third, as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with a well-rounded career both in the private (general contractor) and public sectors (airport, suburban, small suburban and rural communities with diverse economic development focuses), I have a solid foundation for understanding the State and its projects. I also can contribute due to my broad network and understanding of the needs and expectations of nearly every part of our membership.
Finally, at this point in my career, I am interested in giving back to the organization, its communities and individual members — as both a resource and as a mentor to help grow the next generation of professionals.