Gretchen Martinez takes helm of Chamber of Commerce’s research arm, also will serve as Chamber’s VP of public policy.
PHOENIX – The Arizona Chamber Foundation, a 501c(3) non-partisan research and policy analysis organization affiliated with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced today that Gretchen Martinez will serve as the Foundation’s new executive director. Martinez will also serve as the Chamber’s vice president of public policy, a role in which she will help develop the organization’s annual Business Agenda.
Martinez previously served as the Chamber’s director of government relations, where she helped execute the business community’s legislative agenda at the state Capitol.
Formed in 2009, the Chamber Foundation produces research studies on Arizona public policy in an effort to inform policymakers, business leaders, and the general public.
“I am excited to step into this new role of working to provide policymakers with reliable, substantive research and analysis on the pressing issues facing our state,” Martinez said. “I will strive to uphold the Arizona Chamber Foundation’s outstanding and well-deserved reputation.”
Rick DeGraw, senior vice president and administrative officer for SCF Arizona and the Chamber Foundation chairman, welcomed Martinez to her new role.
“We are extremely pleased to have Gretchen taking up the helm of the Chamber Foundation. Her experience, contacts and enthusiasm will add a whole new dimension to the future success of the Chamber Foundation. We look forward to a long and expanding relationship,” DeGraw said.
The Chamber Foundation in its short history has produced a number of thoughtful papers by respected policy analysts that have resulted in pro-business legislation being passed into law. Topics the Foundation has studied include uncompensated health care costs, the capital gains tax, Arizona’s education standards, and the impact of the defense and aerospace sector on the state’s economy.
The Chamber Foundation’s work can be found at its website.
# # #
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to advancing Arizona’s competitive position in the global economy by advocating free-market policies that stimulate economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans.
