Big moves in Scottsdale as the city has just announced its new sheriff in town for economic development and tourism, and it's Kevin Burke. Tackling a role that looks after the strategic priorities and the framework that helps businesses grow, Burke is stepping up to the plate with more than 15 years of experience in navigating the sometimes-treacherous waters of economic advancement and city planning. He's got the chops, having previously worked on multi-billion-dollar municipal strategies in Tucson, and now he's bringing that knowledge back home to Arizona.
As the incoming Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Burke will oversee business attraction, keep an eye on local business growth, and polish up tourism and events in a way that keeps Scottsdale in the spotlight. The city is betting on him to advance projects that lead to more jobs and a financially sound future for the community. According to the official announcement by Scottsdale, this position is a linchpin in the grand scheme of things, keeping Scottsdale on the map as a hot spot for economic opportunity.
Greg Caton, Scottsdale’s City Manager, is confident about this pick. "Kevin brings a wealth of experience to this critical position," he said in an announcement. And why wouldn't he be? Burke isn't new to the rodeo. He's been around the block, running circles in municipal leadership and knows what makes the local economy tick, especially in the Grand Canyon State. He's also lent his expertise to improve Tucson's economic landscape. His deep understanding of Arizona's market nuances could be exactly what Scottsdale needs to keep building its rep as a regional big-hitter in business and leisure.
The task at hand for Burke is far from simple but given his track record, it's clear the city believes he's up for it. The intertwined futures of economic development and tourism in Scottsdale are now his remit. Alongside his teams, he'll be pushing for business retention, fostering innovation, and schmoozing with regional and state bigwigs all in the name of Scottsdale's economic progress. And let's not forget those high-impact projects that have been earmarked – they’ll also be on Burke’s to-do list when he starts his new gig on Dec. 29.
