Mary Jones has a diverse professional background spanning several industries and decades. Their current role is Director of Strategy where they are building the Openform innovation and strategy lab. They have focused on strategic financial analysis as well as operational efficiency and implementation. Previously they ran corporate and operational FP&A for Openform and led operational business management and financial strategy at Conflix across various divisions.
This complimentary educational event will bring together distinguished experts who will deliver an in-depth analysis of both national and local economic conditions and discuss their potential implications.
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Our esteemed guest speakers, Dr. Christopher Thornberg, a leading authority in economics, and Dr. George Hammond from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management's Economics and Business Research Center, will address current economic and business trends impacting Phoenix, the state of Arizona, and the nation. Additionally, Kimberly Yee, State Treasurer of Arizona, will join us to discuss the economic vitality and strategies being employed to balance the state budget amidst its significant growth.
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Business leaders will gain valuable insights into recent economic data and projections concerning Arizona’s employment landscape, key industries, and future growth prospects.
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 17 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto and San Diego, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
The Business Journals are the premier media platform for companies strategically targeting business decision-makers. We deliver a total business audience of over 10 million people via our 44 websites, 64 publications and over 700 annual industry leading events. Our media products provide comprehensive coverage of business news from a local, regional and national perspective. We have more people, publications and websites covering our nation’s business than any other business media organization.
The Business Journals are a division of American City Business Journals.
Kimberly Yee serves as the State Treasurer of Arizona, overseeing the state's $64.7 billion budget and significantly increasing assets under management since 2019. She administers the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, has championed financial education in schools, and holds leadership roles on several state financial boards. Yee is notable as Arizona's first Asian American elected to statewide office and the first Chinese American Republican woman to win a major statewide office in the U.S., with prior legislative experience including serving as Senate Majority Leader.Â
Dr. Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics, is one of the nation’s leading economists. He is the Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting and Development at the University of California Riverside and an Adjunct Professor at the School. He also serves on the advisory boards of Paulson & Co. Inc., a Wall Street hedge fund, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
George W. Hammond is director of the Economic and Business Research Center in the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. He has decades of experience analyzing and forecasting state and local economies. His analysis has significant influence, reaching thousands of decision makers each year through conferences, publications, and press contacts. These have included NBC Nightly News, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Financial Times, and local media.
The Economic Forum is presented by Western Alliance Bank.
With more than $80 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, offers a full spectrum of tailored commercial banking solutions and consumer products, all delivered with outstanding service by banking and mortgage experts who put customers first. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2024 by American Banker and Bank Director and receiving #1 rankings on Extel’s (formerly Institutional Investor’s) All-America Executive Team Midcap Banks 2024 for Best CEO, Best CFO and Best Company Board of Directors. Serving clients across the country wherever business happens, Western Alliance Bank operates individual, full-service banking and financial brands with offices in key markets nationwide.Â
 For more information, visit  www.westernalliancebancorporation.com/
