June 2026 Member Spotlight
Tammy McLeod, Ph.D.
President and CEO, Flinn Foundation
Where are you originally from and what brought you to Arizona?
I grew up in Colorado and have had the opportunity to work across different regions and industries, including time on both coasts and in the U.K. I moved to Arizona for a role in a tech start-up years ago and have stayed because of the unique combination of natural beauty, welcoming attitudes, and possibility.
How did you come to work in the economic development profession?
My path doesn’t seem linear, but it’s all connected. In my early career, I spent time evaluating the demographics of neighborhoods to assess market demand for products and services. During graduate school, I was fortunate to work in an SBDC and was able to work alongside small businesses and watch their impact in the community. I kept teaching there even after I had joined a tech start-up. Much of my career leading transformation was spent in the energy sector, where I saw firsthand how infrastructure, innovation, and policy shape communities and economies. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how intentional investment – across biosciences, education, and civic leadership can drive long-term prosperity. All those experiences, which I am deeply grateful for, naturally led me into economic development work.
What drew you to the opportunity at the Flinn Foundation and how long have you been in your current role?
I was drawn to the Flinn Foundation because of its long-term commitment to Arizona and its ability to operate at the intersection of philanthropy, strategy, and impact. The Foundation takes a systems-level approach whether in biosciences, arts, higher education, or civic leadership and that aligns closely with how I think about change. I’ve been in my current role as President and CEO for eight years, and it continues to be deeply meaningful work.
What are your thoughts and experiences with AAED?
AAED plays a critical role in connecting leaders across sectors who are committed to Arizona’s economic future. I’ve found it to be a highly collaborative organization focused not just on ideas, but on execution. It’s very pragmatic and I think that is essential in a state as diverse and growing as dynamically as Arizona.
What committees are you involved in?
My involvement has primarily centered around initiatives that intersect with biosciences, sustainability, and long-term economic resilience. I’m especially interested in efforts that connect industry, research institutions, and communities to strengthen Arizona’s competitive position.
Are there any economic development projects that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the Arizona Bioscience Roadmap and the sustained effort behind it. It represents a multi-decade commitment to building a globally competitive biosciences sector. More recently, the Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Laboratory stands out as a model for cross-sector collaboration bringing together government, nonprofits, industry and philanthropy to think differently about growth, resilience, and natural resource stewardship.
What comes to mind when you think about Arizona?
Possibility. Arizona is a place where change happens and where an individual can cause change. Big ideas can take root regardless of the sector. At the same time, it’s defined by its natural environment – the desert, the mountains, the Canyon, the light which helps to shape how we think about sustainability, water, and long-term stewardship. Finally, it’s the creative artistic and aesthetic environment that we have. That is rooted in our indigenous communities but broaden by a rich cultural heritage that continues to expand.
What is it that you like to do outside of work?
I spend as much time as I can outdoors. I love to travel, to hike, and have a general appreciation for Arizona’s landscapes and culture. I’m also deeply interested in the arts and how they connect people and communities. I read a lot and love spending time with my family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Arizona is at an inflection point. The decisions we make now about education, natural resources, and where we make investments will shape the state for generations. I’m optimistic because I believe the people and partnerships across Arizona are committed to getting it right.