Chris Camacho serves as president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), one of the longest-standing public-private partnerships for economic development across the country. As chief executive, Chris leads the development and execution of the region’s strategic economic strategy, oversees domestic and international business development, and ensures the market position remains competitive through coordination with partner organizations, private sector leaders, and municipal and state leadership. He has led the attraction of more than 460 companies during his tenure, creating nearly 85,000 jobs and $24 billion in capital investment. Some notable projects include TSMC, Apple, Silicon Valley Bank, Microsoft, GoDaddy, Yelp, Amazon, Garmin, General Motors, ElectraMeccanica, Zoom, HelloFresh, and headquarters including Benchmark Electronics, Carlisle Companies and Rogers Corporation. In October 2021, Chris led GPEC to being recognized as the top economic development organization globally by the International Economic Development Council a year after being named the top EDO in the U.S. in 2020.
Greater Phoenix is home to an ever-expanding ecosystem of semiconductor manufacturing and its supply chain. Long-term strategic planning of resources at the state and regional level have supported this growth, ensuring that adequate water and nation-leading grid reliability meet the needs of industry. Paired with a robust workforce and an educational system anchored by Arizona State University and the Maricopa County Community College District, the region has the requisite labor force to meet the needs of key industry sectors. Greater Phoenix is a top global destination for businesses and uniquely positioned to seize the momentum of technological innovation and advanced industry to support future development.