Mary Foote

Experienced leader with a background in strategic partnerships, organizational leadership, economic development, and workforce strategies.

Mary Foote is the Director of the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA), a position within the Arizona Finance Authority at the State of Arizona.1 2 In this role, she oversees financing for public infrastructure projects statewide, particularly focusing on rural and tribal communities.1 2

Professional Background

Mary Foote has a diverse background in economic development, strategic partnerships, and organizational leadership.3 Her career includes:

CEO of Pipeline AZ, a non-profit organization supporting statewide workforce development efforts1
Director of Industry Engagement for the Partnership for Economic Innovation1
Senior Vice President at WAVTEQ, a Financial Times company, where she led the tax incentives practice1
Vice President of Strategy and Performance Management at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council1

Current Responsibilities

As GADA Director, Mary Foote's responsibilities include:

Managing operations, community engagement, and policy for GADA2
Overseeing financing for public infrastructure projects across Arizona1
Working within the Arizona Finance Authority to grow public financing for housing and other important initiatives1
Providing technical assistance to rural and tribal communities seeking infrastructure financing2

Achievements and Involvement

Mary Foote has been recognized for her contributions to economic development:

Named a Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree1
Founding Curator of The World Economic Forum's Global Shapers hub in Arizona1

She is also actively involved in various community and professional organizations:

Serves on the Foundation for Non-Profits, assisting with board management1
Chair of Valley Leadership's Jobs and Economy team, focusing on increasing "Fair Chance" employers in Arizona1

Mary Foote joined the Arizona Finance Authority as the GADA Director in 2024, coinciding with the reactivation of GADA by Governor Katie Hobbs.2 4 Her role is crucial in supporting economic development and infrastructure projects across Arizona, particularly in underserved rural and tribal areas.