Pinal County has tapped James Smith, former economic development leader for the Town of Fountain Hills, as its director of economic and workforce development.
Since 2019, Smith had led economic development efforts for the northeastern Phoenix suburb, helping to develop its first hospital and a new urgent care clinic. He worked for the City of Chandler’s economic development division for 12 years before that where he managed numerous corporate attraction and expansion projects and rose to the position of economic development program/innovation manager.
Smith will lead a team of six that focuses on attracting economic development projects, tourism business, and job opportunities for the county’s workforce.
Smith was appointed by County Manager Leo Lew after an extensive search and began his job Nov. 8. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and recently earned Certified Public Manager (CPM) status through Arizona State University.
“I am excited to join the Pinal County team and work in this dynamic environment. The projects that have recently been located in the County are evidence of the competitiveness of the area and the team’s ability to make big things happen. I look forward to assisting in the future success of the region,” he said.
Smith’s predecessor in the role, Tim Kanavel, died in February. He nurtured the dramatic rise of interest in the county that led to the location of Lucid Motors, Nikola Motor Company, and other large development projects.
Kanavel was honored by the Arizona Association of Economic Developers with the William Lampkin Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 28.