AZBigMedia
Denny Barney, a sixth-generation Arizonan and PHX East Valley resident, was born to lead the East Valley Partnership.
“It’s very personal to me,” says Barney, who took over as president and CEO of East Valley Partnership on June 1. “I was born and raised here. I’ve lived on the East Coast, the West Coast, overseas, but I’m back here because this is where I want to raise my family. Ultimately, I want to make sure that when my kids are entering the workforce, there are the right kinds of jobs waiting for them if they choose to stay here. It’s important to attract those 21st Century jobs so our economy can continue to grow.”
The East Valley Partnership was formed 35 years ago as a cooperative effort among the communities of the PHX East Valley region. Since then, the region has experienced exponential population growth and added thousands of new jobs. Today, the PHX East Valley boasts a combined population of 1.3 million in the cities and towns of Apache Junction, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Gila River Indian and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Communities. Because of its talented and highly educated workforce and favorable quality of life, the area also continues to be a magnet for new businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in industries such as aerospace and aviation, technology, financial services and healthcare.
