Michael Jansen, CEcD, AZED Pro
Manager, Economic Development & Strategic Accounts
Trico Electric Cooperative
Member since 2016
Michael Jansen is the Manager of Economic Development & Strategic Accounts at Trico Electric Cooperative. He’s worked for Trico for over two and a half years and previously worked for six years at the Town of Sahuarita, Arizona in economic development. The role with Trico involves working with industry to determine where and how the power needs can be supplied for industrial and commercial projects. Additionally, the role involves working with large commercial members to meet their power needs. Michael earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from IEDC in 2024. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dordt University and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Southern California. Michael and his wife have three children.
Please describe your involvement in AAED.
I have regularly participated in the Southern and Government Affairs (GAC) committees since joining AAED in 2016. I served as Vice Chair and then Chair of the GAC from 2019 to 2022. During this time, I helped organize and plan our Policy Impact Celebrations/Lunch on the Lawn events and also worked with both the committee and board leadership to help refine and refresh AAED’s pillar of advocacy. GAC submitted several policy positions and support or opposition letters during this time and worked closely with our lobbying firm Dorn Policy Group to keep the committee and membership informed of pressing state and federal policy issues pertaining to economic development (occasionally local issues as well). Since 2016, I have also served on the Southern committee, and after joining the Board in 2022, I served as the Board Liaison for this committee for the last three years. I helped organize numerous lunch events, asset tours, holiday charity celebrations, and the last two Southern Summits held in Tucson. Additionally, I have attended a number of board/leadership retreats since 2019 and attended most Spring and Fall conferences since 2017. In 2017, I attended the IEDC Basic Economic Development course hosted by AAED, and then in 2018/2019 I earned my AZED Pro designation through taking the necessary AAED coursework.
Which committees have you served on?
Southern and Government Affairs Committee.
Why do you want to serve as a member of the AAED Board of Directors?
AAED is the voice for economic development in the state of Arizona. What we do in education, advocacy, and collaboration is essential to the growth and vitality of all communities and regions throughout the state. I have grown tremendously as a professional while being an AAED member and now serving on the board in recent years. I hope to continue this service and provide a voice for Southern Arizona and the utility/cooperative industry at AAED. Many things are changing in the electric utility industry that will impact economic development in Arizona, and I want to contribute these perspectives to the board, which will greatly affect both metro and rural areas. I believe in AAED’s mission, and I hope to continue learning from a diverse blend of colleagues on the board while also sharing my experiences for the betterment of our state. It is an honor, privilege, and great responsibility to serve on the board, and I believe my knowledge and experiences will help guide AAED through times of economic opportunities and challenges.