SIUE Alum Camacho Named President of Greater Phoenix Economic Council
January 26, 2015, 9:38 PM
SIUE alum and former men’s soccer student-athlete Chris Camacho, a veteran economic developer at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, has been named the group’s next president and CEO, replacing Barry Broome.
Broome resigned to take a similar position in Sacramento after leading economic development in Maricopa County for nine years.
Camacho earned a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior in 2003, and achieved a master’s in public administration in 2004. He played four seasons (1999-2002) for the Cougars men’s soccer program, participating in 72 games while recording 13 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
Camacho has served as GPEC’s executive vice president since joining the organization in 2008. He oversaw domestic and international business development and market strategies, while interacting with Maricopa County and local cities.
“Chris is one of the leading economic-development professionals in the country and, unquestionably, the best candidate for the position,” said Don Smith, GPEC’s board chairman and president of CopperPoint Mutual. “His proven leadership acumen and depth of experience will enhance the momentum of the organization and propel our work forward.”
Consultant Connect recognized Camacho as a Top 50 economic developer in North America. He has served as president of the Arizona Association for Economic Development and was named the group’s 2011 Economic Developer of the Year.
Camacho vowed to work toward achieving significant business growth and furthering collaborative economic initiatives in the region.
Since Camacho has been at GPEC, the group claims to have helped attract 174 companies while luring $2.2 billion in investment and creating nearly 26,700 jobs.
Broome resigned to take a similar position in Sacramento after leading economic development in Maricopa County for nine years.
Camacho earned a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior in 2003, and achieved a master’s in public administration in 2004. He played four seasons (1999-2002) for the Cougars men’s soccer program, participating in 72 games while recording 13 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
Camacho has served as GPEC’s executive vice president since joining the organization in 2008. He oversaw domestic and international business development and market strategies, while interacting with Maricopa County and local cities.
“Chris is one of the leading economic-development professionals in the country and, unquestionably, the best candidate for the position,” said Don Smith, GPEC’s board chairman and president of CopperPoint Mutual. “His proven leadership acumen and depth of experience will enhance the momentum of the organization and propel our work forward.”
Consultant Connect recognized Camacho as a Top 50 economic developer in North America. He has served as president of the Arizona Association for Economic Development and was named the group’s 2011 Economic Developer of the Year.
Camacho vowed to work toward achieving significant business growth and furthering collaborative economic initiatives in the region.
Since Camacho has been at GPEC, the group claims to have helped attract 174 companies while luring $2.2 billion in investment and creating nearly 26,700 jobs.
