Honoring Chris Camacho’s Impact on Arizona’s Innovation Economy

By: Kyle Macdonald , COO of Silicon Oasis After nearly two decades shaping the economic future of Greater Phoenix, Chris Camacho , President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) , is stepping down — leaving behind a legacy that has transformed Arizona's position on the national and global stage. For the Arizona tech and startup community, Chris wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes strategist — he was the front-facing champion who showed the world what this region could become. Under his leadership, Greater Phoenix attracted hundreds of high-impact employers, created over 110,000 jobs, and secured billions in investment. But what makes his story remarkable isn’t just the numbers — it’s the vision and collaboration he helped cultivate. Perhaps no sector illustrates that better than semiconductors. When TSMC chose Arizona for its $40B+ investment, it wasn’ta fluke. It was the result of years of groundwork — building trust, infrastructure, and belief in Arizona as a serious innovation hub. Camacho was instrumental in helping position Phoenix as a semiconductor supercluster , setting off a ripple effect that has reshaped our state’s economy and global relevance. But he didn’t stop at big wins. Chris consistently showed up for the startup ecosystem — supporting local founders, championing innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship not just as an economic goal, but as a cultural identity for Arizona. His efforts helped fuel a grassroots movement that’s now thriving through founders, VCs, accelerators, and tech media across the state. Chris is now beginning his next chapter as a senior executive at Axon , one of Arizona’s most innovative tech companies. It’sa move that keeps him deeply connected to the future of tech in our state — and one we’re excited to watch unfold. As Chris begins his next chapter, we at Silicon Oasis want to say: thank you . Thank you for your relentless belief in Arizona’s potential. For making this community a place where both global companies and scrappy startups can thrive. And for paving the way for the next generation of builders, investors, and dreamers to carry it forward. We wish you all the best, Chris — and we’re proud to carry on the momentum you helped spark. 📬 For more Arizona tech stories like this , subscribe to the Silicon Oasis Magazine .