Goodyear, AZ Economic Development
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Goodyear Economic Development is dedicated to upholding the exceptional standards of our community while actively inspiring businesses to become a part of Goodyear’s dynamic growth story.
We aim to attract top-tier companies which provide high-quality employment opportunities for our residents and neighboring communities, while creating the amenities essential for a vibrant lifestyle.
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(623) 882-7547 With nearly three decades of experience in county and municipal government, Wendy Bridges has served communities throughout Arizona. Wendy was honored as the Economic Developer of the Year by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) and has led Goodyear’s Economic Development team to win multiple Golden Prospector awards from AAED, including the 2024 Organization of the Year. The department has gone on to win multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for excellence in its innovative events, creative advertising, and the attraction of impressive development projects. In addition to active involvement with key industry associations, Wendy was inducted as an Honorary Commander for Luke Air Force Base’s “Thunderbolt Nation.” She is a board member for Greater Maricopa Foreign Trade Zone (GMFTZ) and serves on the President’s Community Advisory Council for Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC). She also currently holds a seat on AAED’s Governmental Affairs committee. Past leadership roles included President of AAED, as well as terms as Vice President, Treasurer/Secretary, and Board Member for AAED. Additional prior roles included multiple terms on the Economic Development Council for Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), Yavapai County Workforce Development Board, two terms as chair of AAED Northern Committee, chair of the AAED Finance Committee, chair of the NACOG Tourism Committee, Prescott Area Leadership Board of Directors, and founding Board member for Prescott Area Young Professionals. Wendy is designated as an Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro) from AAED, licensed in real estate, holds a degree in Management from Yavapai College, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with B.A. in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University. |
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(623) 882-7900 Darah brings years of regional and municipal economic development experience to her current role at the city of Goodyear. She joined the city's Economic Development team in September 2015 from WESTMARC; a regional coalition of government, education, and business leaders advocating for the West Valley’s economic prosperity. At WESTMARC, she held the title of Director of Marketing, Communications, and Strategy, as well as having the honor to serve as the Interim President & CEO. Darah also served one year as Director of Marketing and Public Relations at West Valley Arts Council leading up to the launch of the Arts HQ performance and art gallery. Prior to her current position of Deputy Director, Darah served as a Project Manager for advanced business services, e-commerce, higher education, life sciences, and small business development. She holds the distinction as the longest-serving manager of Goodyear’s InnovationHub, mentoring hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business owners as they launch and grow their businesses. |
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(623) 882-7874 Robert Ito has served as Project Manager for the city of Goodyear since 2014. He has over 17 years of economic development experience, 20+ years of Public Administration experience, and is a certified Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro). Robert was with the city of Phoenix for 14 years, where he worked in the Engineering and Community and Economic Development departments. His experience included plan review, a focus on small business, business retention and expansion, and business attraction. He also served as Project Manager and the main point of contact for Phoenix businesses impacted by light rail construction. While at Goodyear, Robert has worked with numerous property owners, developers, design professionals, and businesses. He has championed many projects through the site selection and development process in different industry sectors including retail and entertainment, technology, data centers, and small business. |
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(623) 882-7549 Joe Stewart brings nearly five years of economic development experience to the city of Goodyear. Before joining the team in January 2022, Joe served as a Management Analyst for the Innovation & Economic Development Department at the City of Carlsbad, California. Joe's economic development portfolio includes leading Carlsbad's talent attraction & retention programs and developing the IEDC award winning CarlsbadLifeinActon.com website. Joe has also managed a $5 million COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Initiative and spearheaded innovative municipal business communication & engagement improvement projects. |
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(623) 882-7955 Kendra Hoffman joined the city of Goodyear in September 2018 as the Economic Development Management Assistant; providing support to the Director and staff in all facets of daily operations. In May 2023, Kendra started a new position within the department as Project Manager overseeing projects in multiple industry sectors. Kendra worked in community recreation for the Parks, Recreation & Forestry department at the city of Watertown and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. Her major in education and political science lead to a rewarding career teaching children of all ages in both Wisconsin and Illinois. She earned her MBA from Western Governors University. Kendra’s personal and career path ultimately lead her family to Arizona where she transitioned back into municipal government and began her economic development career at the city of Surprise before coming to Goodyear. |
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(623) 882-7911 Claire Bruns joined the city of Goodyear in May 2023. She is an Arizona native with a heart to cultivate economic growth and opportunities to enrich the lives of those in the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University, where she also played on the women’s softball team. Claire brings her prior experience as an educator, higher education academic and financial advisor, events coordinator, and customer service liaison to the economic development team. Her professional achievements include leading department and curriculum teams within education and account management. Claire is honored to oversee small business and entrepreneurial projects as well as manage and facilitate the InnovationHub, where she will support and mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. |
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(623) 882-7904 Angela, an Arizona native, joined the city of Goodyear Economic Development team in May 2017, bringing extensive knowledge in graphic design and marketing. Her experience includes 19 years with the Phoenix Suns basketball team serving the last ten as Director of Design. Angela led a team of designers and freelancers who created marketing materials, logos, interior and exterior building signage, season tickets, digital and print advertising and many other projects for the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Rattlers, as well as other related sports and entertainment venues. Prior to the sports industry, Angela worked in the commercial real estate field as a Senior Graphic Designer for CB Commercial Real Estate, now known as CBRE. |
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(623) 882-7958 In August 2023, David joined the city of Goodyear as the Marketing Specialist, bringing with him over a decade of municipal experience from his various roles at the city of Glendale. David worked in the city’s Development Services Department, assisting residences and businesses in securing construction permits for various projects and then took his skills to Economic Development, where he led the small business program assisting clients through the process of achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. As a talented and passionate photographer David was able to use his expertise to showcase the growth and transformation of the city of Glendale. His innovative thinking led to the creation of unique images and short videos which played a pivotal role in promoting business development in Glendale. Some of David’s images have achieved remarkable success, gracing the cover of books, and being prominently featured in magazines, newspapers, as well as showcased at notable venues such as Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Costco. However, he considers his most momentous achievement to be capturing the Military Fly Over and Halftime Fireworks show during Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, a once in a lifetime opportunity. David is extremely grateful for his previous endeavors and is eagerly looking to continue his artistic journey and achievements with the city of Goodyear Economic Development team. |
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(623) 882-7873 TJ Coulter joined the Goodyear Economic Development team in December of 2023. His prior experience includes project management, real estate, security, and recruitment. TJ’s passion for serving the community led him to the public sector where he tracks and assists in the collaboration of interdepartmental work and cross-functional teams to provide the highest level of customer service to anyone who interacts with the city. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Grand Canyon University, is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification holder, and maintains a real estate license with the State of Arizona.
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(623) 932-3025 Amber Costello is a recent honors graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management. Her previous coursework encompassed Project Management, Global Business, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. As a lifelong learner with devotion for public service, Amber strives to continue expanding her knowledge in ways that guide her future career toward continuously enhancing the community’s quality of life. She has a background working in many industries including dental, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, real estate, health & fitness, and most recently with local government under the finance umbrella. Some of Amber’s key achievements include process improvement, cost reduction, and outstanding customer service. Her experience has allowed her to acquire many skills which helped her identify her true passion for service-oriented work to enrich the community. Having been a resident of Goodyear since 2002, Amber has been the recipient of benefits derived from the city’s planning and development. Although not new to the City of Goodyear, Amber is the newest staff member of Economic Development. She values home, family, community, and freedom. Amber is thrilled to be in partnership with the city with hopes that she can have a larger impact working to support our community’s balance and vitality.
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(623) 882-7847 Nicole Blanar brings valuable experience to Goodyear Economic Development as of December 2023, holding the position of Management Assistant. While she may be new to this specific role, Nicole has been an integral part of the city of Goodyear for the past five years in both Development Services and the Fire Department. Nicole's expertise in these areas has equipped her with an understanding of the business development process. Her skills enable her to provide exceptional internal and external customer service, reflecting her commitment to excellence. A proud graduate of Arizona State University, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development and Sociology. Beyond her professional achievements, Nicole enjoys serving her community, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. |