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Greetings,
For nearly five years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a powerful coalition of nearly 200 investors, public sector and nonprofit partners, ambassadors and Advisory Council members, and a Board of Directors who believe in the economic potential of the greater Albuquerque region. As I prepare to transition from my role as President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you—our incredible investors, community leaders, and partners.
Together, we have built something truly special. From launching a bold strategic plan and modernizing our bylaws, to converting our nonprofit status, securing sustainable public-private partnerships, and rebranding the organization to better reflect its mission - we have transformed AREA into a more strategic, resilient, and high-impact organization. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
And the momentum continues. In just the past few weeks, the AREA team has:
- Hosted three additional client site visits, showcasing the region’s assets to companies exploring relocation or expansion here.
- Provided deep support for Project Fusion, an exciting opportunity that underscore’s our region’s competitiveness, including coordination of a 2-day visit, high-level tours with the company’s top leadership, and multiple follow-ups with public and private partners.
- Supported the Downtown Albuquerque BID petition campaign, which has already reached 21% of required signatures—more than a third of the way to submission.
- Been awarded a LEADS grant from the NM Economic Development Department to fund a comprehensive Talent Attraction Marketing Framework Plan.
- Represented the organization in public forums such as Atomic 66, “Tea with Tracy [Hartzler]” and the New Mexico Veterans Business Association and met with several new prospective investors.
- Continued convening critical conversations, including a strategic leadership dinner and multiple sessions with key dignitaries and stakeholders.
These accomplishments, among so many others, are a testament to the extraordinary work of the AREA staff and the unwavering support of our investor community.
While it’s bittersweet to leave this role, I’m excited to share that I will be stepping into a new opportunity as President & CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance in Southern Nevada. It’s a new chapter, but one inspired by everything we’ve achieved here together. Those wanting to stay connected can always find me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecasey/.
I have the utmost confidence in the future of AREA, especially with Chad Matheson, our Senior Vice President, serving as Interim President & CEO effective August 4. Chad has been an essential part of our leadership team since joining us nearly four years ago. As a skilled career economic development professional, his steady, strategic guidance and deep knowledge of the organization and its goals will serve AREA well in this next phase.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Albuquerque has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever be grateful for your trust, your collaboration, and your commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant economy for this region. And I will be watching!
Always Onward,
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