3 Fun Facts 
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I grew up in Augusta, Wisconsin—a town of just 1,550 people, with only 30 students in my graduating class. I moved to Arizona a few years ago to attend ASU for grad school and escape the cold weather!
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My three-lift max total (bench, squat, and deadlift) is 660lbs. If I am not working or hanging out with my dogs, you will find me in the gym!
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I have two published research papers, which I was able to present across the country at various conferences.
What would you tell your younger self about economic development?
I know everyone says this, but I would tell myself that economic development exists and to learn more! Growing up in a small Midwestern town, I wasn’t exposed to economic development or professionally ran local governments, as the town I grew up in and my college town both operated under a strong mayor and did not have an economic development department. Looking back, I now see the critical role of the Bush’s Beans factory in my hometown and how its presence fueled the local economy and provided a key employer to the area. Economic development also combines some of the best aspects of working in local government: making an impact on your community, helping people, and tackling new challenges every day.
What’s something you wish you knew before starting your current role?
I wish I had known just how much I would learn on the job! While my graduate school internship in economic development gave me a solid foundation, transitioning to a full-time role revealed how much more there was to learn. I initially felt nervous about not having more expertise, but I quickly realized that nobody starts out knowing everything—and there’s always room to grow. Most professionals in this field “fall into” economic development, so they’re often eager to share their knowledge. I would also remind myself to be patient; while our work has a meaningful impact, it often takes time to see results.
Who do you look up to in the field, and what advice might you give young professionals about mentorship?
I learned that mentorship is invaluable through my involvement with AAED, ACMA, and other local government professional organizations. I’m fortunate to have mentors within and outside the field who have profoundly influenced my career trajectory. I’ve gained so much from my AAED mentor, Harry Paxton in Buckeye, who I was lucky enough to be matched with through the mentorship program (which I would also recommend applying for). I also look up to the talented current and former Economic Development staff I’ve worked with at the City of Tempe, who have mentored me and taught me so much. Additionally, I’m also inspired by the many women leading Economic Development organizations across the Valley—paving the way for the next generation of women leaders. My advice to young professionals is to seek out mentors, people are usually always willing to mentor the next generation as they also probably had several mentors throughout their career!
What advice do you have for up-and-coming economic developers?
Take advantage of every opportunity you can! Volunteer, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to express your interests. Pursue professional development through certifications and training programs to strengthen your skills. Most importantly, ask questions—this field is constantly evolving, and curiosity is one of the best tools for growth.
What’s a recent economic development/career win you have experienced?
I recently presented an update to City Leadership on a project I’m managing related to the City of Tempe’s owned properties. Since beginning this role, I quickly realized the immense need for a comprehensive inventory of our real estate and to understand what department manages each property. In a landlocked city like Tempe, understanding what properties we own and assessing their highest and best use is crucial for future development and redevelopment. This project has not only addressed a critical need but also demonstrated the value of proactive management in economic development!
