Governor Katie Hobbs Appoints Mary Foote as New Director for the Office of Economic Opportunity

Director of Greater Arizona Development Authority to oversee workforce and economic development efforts

Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs is appointing Mary Foote to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity. Director Foote currently serves as the Director of the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA), the state infrastructure bank for rural and Tribal communities, unlocking investment capital for critical projects such as fire stations, roads, and libraries across the state.

Under her leadership, GADA has been revitalized, issuing the first public infrastructure project funding in over a decade, including supporting the Towns of Superior and Winslow and Apache County with $1.4 million in technical and financial support. Previously, Director Foote was CEO of Pipeline AZ, an organization that helps build Arizona's workforce and create education and training pathways for Arizonans and Vice President for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"Director Foote has dedicated her career to helping Arizonans gain access to family-sustaining jobs," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Her experience in workforce and economic development, as well as her intimate knowledge of the workforce landscape in Arizona, will help drive the Office of Economic Opportunity's core mission to strengthen Arizona's workforce and economy for generations to come."

"It's a privilege to step into the Director position for the Office of Economic Opportunity," said OEO Director Mary Foote. "I look forward to building upon the success to develop a strong workforce and economy for all Arizonans."

Director Foote is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies and Masters in Public Administration.