Economic Development Advisory Board

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About Us

The Economic Development Advisory Board follows Peoria City Code, Chapter 3, Sections 3-1, 3-6, and 3-21. There are 7 members + 1 alternate (residency exceptions). The Economic Development Services Director serves as the Economic Development Advisory Board liaison. This board meets every 2-3 months.

The Board consists of:

  • 4 members with any of the following qualifications:
    • public or private education, elementary, secondary, and higher education;
    • licensed or registered professionals of the state;
    • federally or state chartered lending institution;
    • business advocacy organization;
    • public service corporations or telecommunications;
    • real estate development;
    • or private sector corporation management
  • 3 members & 1 alternate member must be private citizens of Maricopa County
  • Peoria residency is not required to serve on this Board

The Economic Development Advisory Board is a public body made up of community members that advise the City Council on economic development issues including the Economic Development Element of the City’s General Plan, economic development related projects, and strategies for promoting economic development in the City. The Economic Development Advisory Board represents the community with prospective economic development prospects, and cooperates with educational institutions and regional economic development organizations.

 

Economic Development Advisory Board Ambassadors

Julie LaCroix

Julie LaCroix

A former Wall Street trader and technology sales professional, Julie LaCroix launched a boutique technology recruiting firm where she found her calling to return to graduate school and build a career management firm. She has been in private practice for 15+ years and helps adults of all ages navigate the complexities related to career decision-making given the nuances of the US labor market structure. She is a practical expert on the economics which drive job market and industry shifts, and an expert in the application of career psychology to the adult population.

Julie is the producer of the Career Lab podcast, she is a published author on career management topics, and a frequent speaker and panelist to universities and industry groups. Additionally, she is a subject matter expert at USC's Center for Creative Technologies, where she has provided guidance on career development AI tools being developed for former military struggling with PTSD and gifted individuals needing support with interviewing in a socially safe setting. She is proud to be the ongoing keynote speaker for an intensive career program at Camp Pendleton, serving our nation's deserving senior military leaders for the last 10+ years.

Julie is also an engaged Peoria citizen. When she moved to North Peoria, she started North Peoria Lifestyle, a local upscale community magazine allowing her to get to know her community intricately. Locally, she is a past member of the Peoria Citizen's Bond Committee, a member of the WESTMARC Regional Marketing Committee, and a member of Leadership West.

Julie is a mother of two thriving college students and spends as much time as she can at the lake enjoying the beauty of the Mesquite district or attending city-wide events and happenings. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Irvine and an M.A. Ed. in Educational Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, and she holds the highest designation in the field of career counseling from the National Career Development Association.

Edward Molina

Edward Molina

Edward Molina was born in 1953 and moved to Peoria in 1962. Shortly after graduating from Peoria High School, he joined the Army in November 1971. Edward served 22 years of active duty retiring at Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista), AZ. He started his own company in 2006 and retired from that company in 2015. Edward served as a member of the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative board from 2011 to 2018. He also served as Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center for the state of Arizona. Edward moved back to Peoria in November of 2018. He is married to Susan (Curry) Molina and they have four children and six grandchildren.

Anna-Ratiu

Anna Ratiu

Anna Ratiu is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of extensive experience in the real estate industry. Serving as designated broker and proud owner of Active Real Estate, she is deeply committed to providing exceptional service to clients, ensuring their real estate needs are met with precision and care. Anna extends her dedication to excellence beyond her brokerage role, contributing as a valued member of the AZ Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions mortgage broker testing committee, where she leverages her expertise to shape industry standards.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Anna is recognized as a former highly qualified teacher, using her knowledge and experience to educate and empower others in the field. With a Master's degree in Education and a bachelor of science, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical insight to every aspect of her work.

Outside of her career, Anna cherishes her role as a devoted parent of two, finding joy and fulfillment in nurturing their growth and development. As a long-time resident of Peoria's Mesquite district for the past 20 years, she has deep roots in the community and is committed to its prosperity and well-being. She is passionate about making a positive impact both professionally and personally, and looks forward to continuing to serve and contribute to the vibrant fabric of the community.

Neil Terry

Neil Terry

Neil Terry is a partner with Orcutt Winslow, a locally founded architectural and interior design firm with offices also in Nashville and Dallas/Ft. Worth. He primarily oversees the firm’s Senior Living studio which he recently expanded to doing work nationally. He is proud of the number of state veterans homes that Orcutt Winslow has been honored to design, winning its 12th home recently in Kentucky. Throughout his career he has had the pleasure of designing numerous types of buildings making for an interesting volume of work. Many of his projects have been in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area including several in Peoria.

Neil works closely with clients to create a well-orchestrated game plan and has led numerous design teams at seeking and achieving the client’s goals through interactive communication and continuous monitoring. Several of his teams’ project have received design awards. He has helped to develop a strong customer-focused environment at Orcutt Winslow with an emphasis on developing trends in design solutions. He believes in using his design experience to help solve community challenges. He currently serves as the Chair of WESTMARC and has been a member of the City of Peoria Economic Development Advisory Board for eight years, two of which he served as Chair.

 

Staff Members

Economic Development Services Director

 

Are you interested in taking an active role in the community? Learn more about the Economic Development Advisory Board, as well as other Board and Commissions, by visiting the City Clerk's Board and Commissions website