Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently recognized President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) Sandra Watson as Transformational Leader of the Year.

According to a press release from the chamber, the Transformational Leader Award recognizes individuals from Arizona’s private and public sectors that have displayed transformational leadership by “creating a vision for positive change in public policy, inspiring business and industry in pursuit of that vision and enriching the future for all Arizonans.”

"Sandra played a formative role in the establishment of the Arizona Commerce Authority and creating a strategy to diversify our economy by growing high-wage, export-based industries. The fruits of those efforts are represented in the dynamic growth all around us," President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Danny Seiden said, according to the press release. "The Chamber is proud to recognize Sandra and we look forward to continuing the work alongside the ACA to keep our economy strong."

Serving as president and CEO of the ACA since 2012, Watson has helped the organization secure more than 1,050 companies which have committed to creating more than 226,000 jobs and $67.5 billion in capital investments the Arizona. 

"I am truly humbled and honored to be among the leaders recognized," Watson said on receiving the award. "I’m grateful to the many community leaders we work with from industry, higher education, state government and more. I also credit our elected leaders, who set the conditions for success, with Gov. Ducey setting the example."

"Arizona has the best commerce secretary in the nation! Our economy is booming because of the hard work and leadership of @SandraWatsonAZ and her team at @azcommerce." Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wrote in a Twitter post.