When you think about Greater Phoenix’s transformation over the past two decades, one name comes up again and again: Chris Camacho.
For 17 years, Camacho has been one of the region’s most influential leaders, helping shift our economy from one heavily reliant on construction and retail to a resilient, innovation-driven powerhouse. As President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) since 2015, and as Executive Vice President before that, Camacho’s leadership has shaped strategy, forged partnerships, and built the foundation for a future-ready Greater Phoenix.
In late June 2025, GPEC announced that Chris Camacho would be stepping down to join Axon in a senior leadership role. It’s a big transition for a leader whose impact on Greater Phoenix’s economic story can’t be overstated. As GPEC Board Chairman and Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said it in this article on GPEC.org:
“Chris’s leadership is reflected over the last decade of Greater Phoenix’s abundant growth: pragmatic, a focus on long-term impact, and an unselfish, can-do attitude.”
During Camacho’s tenure, GPEC has strategically attracted over 600 companies, created more than 115,000 jobs, and positioned Greater Phoenix as a global hub for high-tech industries, including semiconductors, biotechnology and life sciences, aerospace and defense, and software startups. It’s no surprise that he leaves behind a high-performing, mission-driven team ready to carry on that legacy.
At Freeway, we connected directly with Chris for an exclusive Q&A as he wraps up his GPEC chapter and prepares for his next seismic career move. Here’s what he had to say about his proudest accomplishments, his take on the future of economic development, and why he’s excited about the mission ahead at Axon.
Freeway: What accomplishment at GPEC are you most proud of?
Chris Camacho: “One of the areas I’m most proud of is helping the region’s economy transform since the Great Recession. Our evolution from a construction- and retail-focused market to the epicenter of semiconductors and a global hotbed for biosciences, A&D, software and startups was not an accident as we re-positioned ourselves from a boom-and-bust economy to a resilient, innovation-centered region. In addition, the expansion of our public and private partnerships to represent 22 communities, two counties and over 200 private sector partners under one economic strategy is a testament to the work GPEC has done to grow a brand of regionalism that produces tangible, equitable results. There is so much positive momentum occurring here in Greater Phoenix, and the GPEC team is well equipped to advance the region to the next economic chapter.”
F: Where do you see the future of economic development heading?
CC: “The future of economic development is changing rapidly before our eyes. While traditional metrics like taxes and payroll remain vitally important, companies are prioritizing talent pool quality and size and modernized infrastructure at greater levels than before. It has become much more complex than 10 years ago, and part of the challenge — and success — at GPEC has been staying ahead of the curve. As I look to the future, I see the advent of AI, new learning models, digital infrastructure, and the future of computing as trends reshaping industries. Economic development leaders need to continue to stay well-informed of these trends to ensure we are aligning the business-friendly policies, enhancing relationships between the public and private sectors, and retooling the workforce for the dynamic shifts ahead.”
F: What are you most excited about joining Axon?
CC: “Working with the leadership within Axon is remarkably inspiring. Their mission to save lives and become the operating system for public safety is altruistic and ambitious. The diversity of the product mix allows Axon to grow and scale in a number of areas related to drones for defense, Tasers and body cameras for public safety, AI for police reporting, new enterprise products, and personal defense devices. Axon operates with speed and ambition, and I’m excited to officially get started with them on the global market strategy.”
As GPEC’s Chief Operating Officer, Maureen Howell noted in this GPEC article,
“GPEC has been fortunate to benefit from Chris’s vision and purpose-focused leadership, which has created a strong team that’s grounded in our mission to serve Greater Phoenix.”
While Chris Camacho begins his new chapter with Axon, an innovative company dedicated to saving lives and transforming public safety, the organization he helped shape is well-positioned to continue driving prosperity for the region. GPEC’s Board has formed an executive search
committee that is determining its next phase of leadership, with a clear commitment to maintain the same culture of excellence and strategic vision that Camacho championed for nearly two decades.
For Greater Phoenix, this transition is more than a parting. It’s a reminder that economic development is a living, evolving mission. The region’s success is built on partnerships, collaboration, and leaders like Chris Camacho who push for innovation while staying grounded in community impact.
At Freeway, we recognize that the economic future of Greater Phoenix is only as strong as the talent, partnerships, and innovative ideas we invest in today. Chris Camacho’s next move is proof that innovation, purpose, and a relentless focus on growth will continue to shape our region and have a ripple effect far beyond it.
Congratulations to Chris on an extraordinary run at GPEC, and here’s to the next chapter at Axon. The best is yet to come.
For more on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and its work transforming our region’s future, visit www.gpec.org.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%202.png)
.webp)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=icon}