3 Fun Facts 
- I have a master’s degree in economic development. From my time in the profession, it’s very common that outside of the Southeastern part of the U.S., people “fall” into it some other way, through construction, real estate, utilities, or MPA programs. I’m a graduate of the master’s program at the University of Southern Mississippi, one of only a few economic development Master’s programs left in the country.
- I’m from Kansas City, Missouri, so if you hear me say at a conference or an event, “This barbecue isn’t like it is back home,” that’s probably why! I’m also a big Chiefs fan and NASCAR fan. In fact, I went to both the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 this year!
- When I moved to Arizona for my job, I had never been here before, even to visit—not to the Grand Canyon, not to Tucson, never before! It was all completely sight-unseen, but it was a great decision I made!
What would you tell your younger self about economic development?
I would tell my younger self, “THAT is the career path you should go for; that’s exactly what you’re looking for!” Even as a kid/teenager, I really had an interest in the location of things. I’d see some empty land and think, “This would be a good place for [insert name of business/thing].” I didn’t find out that economic development was a profession until college. I had thought of going into city planning, but an internship led me to switch things up a bit. I love the creative, problem-solving, design-thinking process of city planning and even engineering. I don’t like math and physics so engineering was never in the question, and economic development is a good way to be involved in the planning and development world and still be creative and strategic. And that there are so many career opportunities that can stem from it, in government, private sector, real estate, site selection, utilities, and so many other things.
What’s something you wish you knew before starting your current role?
There were a few things, but one I would definitely say is that it’s important to be patient. Just because something seems like a cool idea or would be “a perfect project for that location” doesn’t mean that it will happen tomorrow, in a month, or even a year – you need to stick with it. It takes time for things to gain traction and to happen. I would also say that economic development is not a profession for introverts, and if you are introverted, it will make you an extrovert, or at least make you look like one! It’s important to “get out there” and network as much as possible; oftentimes, that’s when the best ideas are generated and opportunities are learned about. So you have to build that confidence when you’re talking to people, which, admittedly, can be an acquired skill, as it was for me. Also, getting involved with as many aspects of the profession as possible – workforce, BRE, tourism, downtown development, quality-of-life amenities, business attraction, etc. – really helps you understand how everything is interconnected, and you’ll probably come up with new ideas from it.
Who do you look up to in the field, and what advice might you give young professionals about mentorship?
Don’t pass up on an opportunity to make a connection and to be mentored – people who have been in AAED in the field and in the profession for a long time have been very successful and had lots of experience – it’s a good chance that they ran into a similar situation to you at some point in their career. Also, don’t be “afraid” to introduce yourself and have a conversation with them. Most of the time, they’re eager to share stories and advice with the next generation of economic developers. Mentorship doesn’t have to be a long-term thing either, although it definitely can be. Mentorship can occur over a single conversation, dinner, or Off The Clock event.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming economic developers?
I kind of mentioned it earlier, but make sure to attend as many conferences and networking events as possible! You’ll get to meet and learn from economic developers from all around the state (and country in the case of bigger conferences)! You might learn new ways of looking at a problem, or find an opportunity for your community or organization, or find a new mentor. Also, spend time with your colleagues in the profession outside of the office or sessions at a conference, either at mixers or after the business of the day is done at a conference.