As Director of the Office of Economic Development, Brian leads an expert team of economists, planners and business development pros in Business Attraction, Business Retention and Expansion and Business Assistance. Brian offers expertise gained from 19 years at the City of Glendale, having served two years as Community and Economic Development Director, more than a decade in the role of Economic Development Director and seven years in the Planning Department where he led the Citywide Special Projects Group overseeing all major development in Glendale's Sports and Entertainment District.  Prior to joining the City of Glendale, Brian served as Director of Planning for five years in Santa Cruz County Arizona and brings with him experience gained during his tenure with the City of Tucson Transportation Engineering Department.  An Arizona native, Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Regional Development and a Master of Science in Planning and Urban Design with emphasis in Transportation Engineering from the University of Arizona.  Brian is multilingual, certified by AICP and is a member of International Economic Development Council.  

Jessi first joined the city’s Economic Development Department in 2011 with an emphasis on redevelopment, small business assistance and special projects. Previously, she spent two years serving as Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers’ Chief of Staff until rejoining the Economic Development team in early 2017, bringing to the team her extensive background and enhanced expertise in citywide redevelopment, small business/entrepreneurship assistance and Historic Downtown Glendale redevelopment efforts. Jessi has previously served as Project Manager for Economic Development and Development Services for the City of Goodyear, AZ, specializing in Entrepreneurship Outreach and medical industry attraction. Jessi is a proud graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master ‘s degree in Public Administration.

JPederson@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2996

Randy’s specialty and primary focus is assisting, growing and attracting businesses of all sizes to Glendale and the surrounding region. He joined the Office of Economic Development team following eight years with the city’s Development Services Center.  Randy spent 10 years working as a general contractor prior to joining the City of Glendale in 2007 as a specialist, contracted to help the City welcome and host Super Bowl XLII and eventually Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. As a member of Arizona State University’s Entrepreneurship Outreach Network, Randy teaches a series of start-up business classes and mentors new and growing businesses. His signature email phrase --- “Teamwork makes the dream work” --- perfectly represents his philosophy. Randy studied business, architecture and entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona, where he received his BSBA in 1999 and MBA in 2015.  

RHuggins@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2985

Daniel is the newest member of the Economic Development team. He brings his private market experience of business development, international trade, and experience working with emerging technologies. Daniel got his first taste of economic development as an intern with the Town of Gilbert, while he was a student at Arizona State University. His undergrad degree from ASU focused on International Business and later received his MBA from Kingston University with a focus on International Trade/Economics. Daniel’s interest focuses on utilizing the collective resources Glendale offers and connecting industry, to build towards the future.

DBenson@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2937

Suzie Ricard has worked for the City of Glendale for 22 years, sharing her skills and honing her institutional knowledge in a variety of city departments. She joined the Economic Development Team in July of 2011 as the Department’s Management Assistant. In this role, Suzie’s primary role is assisting the Director and the four Economic Development Team members with the day to day office operations as well as business assistance. Prior to working in Economic Development, Suzie worked in the Deputy City Manager’s Office as an Executive Administrative Assistant II for four years, providing executive-level support to city leadership. Suzie also served in the Parks and Recreation Department for 12 years as a Senior Secretary and Front Office Supervisor. Her first year with the City was working in a Secretarial Group supporting Building Safety, Planning and Economic Development.  Prior to working at the City of Glendale, Suzie was a leasing secretary for Outdoor Systems and spent five years as a secretary for TRW Space and Defense in Government Contracts in the State of California.  Suzie is a native of California and has been a resident of Glendale, Arizona since July of 1994.  

SRicard@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2983