Suggestions
Lori Collins
Deputy Director at City of Mesa Office of Economic Development
Lori Collins is the Director of Business and Economic Development for the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.134 She is a community builder and collaborator with a focus on creating a sustainable economic base in Arizona.3
Experience and Roles::
- Director of Business and Economic Development, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority: In this role since June 2023, Collins is responsible for business attraction and retention, real estate development, property management, ground transportation services, rental car operations, and terminal concessions.13 She is also responsible for executing the Airport’s Strategic Business Plan, cultivating relationships with local, regional, national, and international businesses, and working with aeronautical and non-aeronautical companies interested in relocating or expanding at Gateway Airport.2
- Deputy Economic Development Director - Strategic Initiatives, City of Mesa Office of Economic Development: Prior to her role at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, Collins served as the Deputy Economic Development Director for the City of Mesa from September 2019 to June 2023.3 She focused on strategic growth corridors, such as the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport area, to enhance the city's economy, create quality jobs, and increase per capita income to improve the quality of life for Mesa’s residents.3 She spearheaded numerous initiatives resulting in significant business expansion and job creation and also worked extensively with SkyBridge Arizona, Gateway East (The Boyer Company), Gulfstream, Virgin Galactic, and Aviation Performance Solutions (APS).2
- Deputy Director, Community & Economic Development, City of Phoenix: From February 2015 to September 2019, Collins attracted businesses to strengthen and diversify Phoenix's economy.3 Her team provided expertise to developers, site selectors, corporate real estate executives, brokers, and business owners seeking to start, expand, or relocate their businesses.3
- Airport Administrator, Chandler Municipal Airport (City of Chandler): From December 2012 to January 2015, Collins led a team of professionals to plan, provide, operate, and maintain an aviation facility.3
- Economic Development Specialist, City of Chandler Economic Development: From January 2008 to December 2012, Collins attracted businesses to strengthen and diversify Chandler’s economy.3
- Marketing Director, NAI (Phoenix & Las Vegas): From November 2006 to January 2008, Collins oversaw marketing activities in Phoenix and Las Vegas for a commercial real estate firm.3
- Marketing Communication Manager, Greater Phoenix Economic Council: Collins held this position from 2004 to 2005.3
- Marketing Specialist, Economic Development, City of Mesa, AZ: Collins was a Marketing Specialist from 2001 to 2004.3
Collins has personally worked on projects and led teams that assisted to locate companies who committed to bring more than 30,000 jobs to the region since 2014.1 She has over 20 years of experience working in economic development in Mesa, Phoenix, and Chandler.2
Education::
- Vanguard University of Southern California: BA, Communication (1994-1996)3
- Chandler/Gilbert Community College: AA, General (1992-1994)3
Collins' LinkedIn username is loricollinsaz.3
