CCIM Chapter SO AZ: Partners in Progress – Economic Developers from Across Pima County

Partners in Progress – Economic Developers from Across Pima County

Join us for a high-impact discussion featuring economic development leaders from across Pima County!

This special event brings together experts and innovators from various municipalities to share how collaboration, strategic planning, and business attraction efforts are powering regional growth. Discover how each community is contributing to a thriving, resilient Southern Arizona economy.

🎤 What to Expect:

• Regional updates from city and town economic development departments
• Business attraction and expansion strategies
• Success stories of public-private collaboration
• Visionary insights on shaping the economic future of Pima County

speakers:

Heath S. Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro
Director of Economic Development for Pima County

Heath S. Vescovi-Chiordi, MPA, AZED Pro, is the Director of Economic Development for Pima County, Arizona. He leads the creation and execution of the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, focusing on business attraction and retention, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. Notably, he played a key role in securing the $1.2 billion American Battery Factory project and supporting companies like World View, Inc. and Accelerate Diagnostics.

Heath holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona. Prior to his role with the County, he held several leadership positions with the Town of Marana, including Assistant to the Town Manager and Airport Director.

He is a certified Arizona Economic Development Professional and has received multiple awards, including AAED’s 2024 Economic Developer of the Year and the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award. He is a Flinn-Brown Fellow and actively serves on the boards of Arizona Town Hall, AAED, and Greater Tucson Leadership.

Heath also teaches a graduate-level course at the University of Arizona on economic development and local government.

Victor Gonzalez
Economic Development and Public Affairs Director, Town of Sahuarita

As the Economic Development and Public Affairs Director for the Town of Sahuarita, Mr. Gonzalez provides leadership and coordinates the efforts for the Town’s economic, marketing, and place-making strategies as well as establishing programming for small businesses.  Additionally, Mr. Gonzalez is responsible for the Town’s Public Affairs and Communications activities.

Mr. Gonzalez’s economic development career began in 2001 and has worked in various communities throughout the State of Arizona (Douglas, Flagstaff, Yuma, and Gilbert). He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD); a graduate of the University of Arizona, B.S. Regional Development; and completed the Economic Development Institute sponsored by the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Gonzalez also has a real estate license.

Paul Melcher
Director of Community and Economic Development for the Town of Oro Valley

Paul Melcher is the Director of Community and Economic Development for the Town of Oro Valley. Originally from a small family farm near Holly, Colorado, he brings decades of public sector experience across Arizona municipalities. His educational background includes a B.A. in English Education, a Master’s in Public Administration, and certifications in Risk Management and Lean Six Sigma.

Paul has served in leadership roles in San Luis, Yuma County, and the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization, focusing on planning, recreation, transportation, and economic development. He is dedicated to creating a “balanced community” in Oro Valley—one that offers strong employment, diverse housing, quality recreation, and retail opportunities.

Recent accomplishments include launching small business startup courses, developing StartupZones.com, and initiating the town’s own Destination Marketing Organization. Known for his strengths in team leadership, project management, and strategic planning.

Barbra Coffee

Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson

Barbra Coffee serves as Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson, AZ. She is responsible for the city’s economic development strategy, which includes local business retention and expansion programs, business attraction, small business and entrepreneurial development.  Her division is also responsible for annexations and the economic development and workforce grants program. Under her leadership in Tucson, she has grown the Office of Economic Initiatives team from three to eleven people to maximize economic development activities on behalf of the city.

Most recently, she led the City’s successful EDA phase one Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant with the formation of the Southern Arizona Coalition for Climate Adaptation & Resilience and was instrumental in the launch of an industrial sewing accelerator known as AZ Stitch Lab. In 2021 she led the effort to renew and expand the City’s Central Business District. Since 2020, Barbra and her team have assisted in the creation of more than 7,000 jobs, including company expansions such as Raytheon, American Battery Factory, CIS Global, and Sion Power, representing more than $2B in capital investment.

Curt Woody
Economic development/strategic initiatives manager

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The last day to register for the upcoming luncheon is July 3rd, 2025 by noon. Please be advised that no refunds will be issued after this date.
Walk-ins will be admitted after 12:00 PM, space permitting, with an additional $10 charge.

By registering for this event, you consent to the use of your photograph on social media platforms and acknowledge that your details may be shared with our event sponsors. If you have any concerns or objections to this, please contact us before registering.

Not a Southern Arizona CCIM Chapter Member?  Save $30 a ticket by joining the chapter.  Membership includes reduced rates to all our events and FREE Department of Real Estate Credit classes.  Membership is prorated.