Queen Creek, AZ
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Town of Queen Creek’s Marissa Garnett Receives 2026 Economic Developer of the Year
Post Date:04/30/2026 12:50 pm
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) honored Town of Queen Creek Economic Development Project Manager, Marissa Garnett, CEcD, AZED Pro, AICP, with the prestigious Economic Developer of the Year (Medium Community) award. The Economic Developer of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement by a professional, including the overall economic impact on their community, the development of strong relationships, their innovation and creativity, and contributions to the profession.
Marissa began her career with the Town in 2014 as a Research Assistant and advanced to her current role as the Economic Development Project Manager. Highlights of Marissa’s work for the Town include being instrumental in the Town landing its first onsite brewery, assisting with the development of the Small Business Grant Assistance program during COVID, contributing to the stand-alone websites for both Invest The QC and Visit The QC, spearheading the Town’s award-winning economic profile and a new industrial brochure, supporting three key Specific Area Plans, and being actively involved with LG Energy Solution, a major economic development milestone for the Town.
Marissa’s professional credentials, a CEcD, AZED Pro, and AICP, plus two masters degrees, reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, and her work has earned national recognition, including the IEDC Young Economic Development Professional of the Year award and selection for the Economic Development 40 Under 40 in 2025 from a field of more than 160 nominees nationwide.
The Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards were established nearly 50 years ago to recognize the outstanding work of AAED members. The Medium Community category is defined as a service area with a population between 50,000 and 149,999.
For more information about Queen Creek’s Economic Development Department and investment opportunities, visit the Economic Development website.
To stay updated on Town happenings and events, visit the Town of Queen Creek website or follow the Town's Facebook page and the Town's X account.
Media contact:
Constance Halonen-Wilson, Communications & Marketing Manager
480-358-3195
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov
Return to full list >>Marissa began her career with the Town in 2014 as a Research Assistant and advanced to her current role as the Economic Development Project Manager. Highlights of Marissa’s work for the Town include being instrumental in the Town landing its first onsite brewery, assisting with the development of the Small Business Grant Assistance program during COVID, contributing to the stand-alone websites for both Invest The QC and Visit The QC, spearheading the Town’s award-winning economic profile and a new industrial brochure, supporting three key Specific Area Plans, and being actively involved with LG Energy Solution, a major economic development milestone for the Town.
Marissa’s professional credentials, a CEcD, AZED Pro, and AICP, plus two masters degrees, reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, and her work has earned national recognition, including the IEDC Young Economic Development Professional of the Year award and selection for the Economic Development 40 Under 40 in 2025 from a field of more than 160 nominees nationwide.
The Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards were established nearly 50 years ago to recognize the outstanding work of AAED members. The Medium Community category is defined as a service area with a population between 50,000 and 149,999.
For more information about Queen Creek’s Economic Development Department and investment opportunities, visit the Economic Development website.
To stay updated on Town happenings and events, visit the Town of Queen Creek website or follow the Town's Facebook page and the Town's X account.
Media contact:
Constance Halonen-Wilson, Communications & Marketing Manager
480-358-3195
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov
Media Contacts
For Town-wide media inquires
Constance Halonen-Wilson, Communications & Marketing Manager
480-358-3195
QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov