Pictured: Chris Camacho, Daniela Santangelo, and Chris Richardson, Field CTO of AHEAD and Freeway Founding Advisor
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 put 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.”
Under Camacho’s watch, GPEC has strategically attracted over 1,000 companies, created nearly 190,000 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 a quick 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.
Chris Camacho: “There are so many accomplishments to be proud of! Some of the fondest memories and the greatest satisfaction I’ll take away will be shifting the region’s economy from one that was reliant on construction and retail growth to a dynamic, innovation-centered region. In addition, expanding our public and private partnership to represent 22 public jurisdictions and over 220 private sector partners in one economic strategy. And finally, elevating the region’s brand as a global hotbed for semiconductors, bio/life sciences, A&D, software startups, and growth companies. 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.”
CC: “The future of economic development is changing rapidly before our eyes. The advent of AI, new learning models, digital infrastructure, and the future of compute are all trends reshaping industries almost overnight. Economic development leaders need to continue to stay well informed of these trends to ensure we are aligning the business-friendly policies and also retooling the workforce for the dynamic shifts ahead.”
CC: “Working with the leadership within Axon is extraordinarily 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 so many 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 such 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 is building an executive search committee to determine 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.
Stay connected:
For more on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and its work transforming our region’s future, visit www.gpec.org.
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