Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Jessica Pacheco, incoming chair of the Arizona Board of Regents and former CEO of Horizon Strategies, has launched Pacheco Ventures, a strategic advisory firm serving athletes, executives, organizations and corporations across Arizona.
Ms. Pacheco has worked as a strategist for some of Arizona’s most notable names, drawing on more than 35 years in the industry, including 25 years at Arizona Public Service, to help business, sports and political leaders uncover opportunities, meet objectives and build community connections, according to a press release.
“Jessica is the one to call when you need to build a brand, think three steps ahead or bring the right people together,” said former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “She’s proven herself proactive in the state’s sports, energy and business markets, and if you have a problem to solve or an idea worth pursuing, she’s the person who’s going to make it happen.”
Former Phoenix Suns player and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s always an honor to partner with Jessica and see her use her knowledge, experience and relationships to make a difference for clients and the community,” said Mr. Nash. “She’s the one you want in your corner when you need to think bigger, execute smarter or make sure your message makes its way to the right people.”
Ms. Pacheco spent decades in executive leadership for a Fortune 500 energy company and served as a senior advisor for state and federal candidates.
She is active in philanthropic circles, including Thunderbird Charities, Jewish Family and Children’s Services and Childhelp, and works on initiatives to improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals and develop energy-saving solutions for data centers.
She also serves as incoming chair of the Arizona Board of Regents following a 2021 appointment by then-Gov. Doug Ducey and sits on the board of the Arizona Thunderbirds. Pacheco has served as president of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and as political affairs chair and executive committee member for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.
“Jessica’s name has long been synonymous with success, collaboration and progress, and she knows what it takes to see an idea all the way through from conception to completion,” said venture capitalist Jack Selby. “Few people can move as seamlessly between social and professional circles as she can, and she has the confidence and capabilities that make the smartest, most successful people in the room want to follow her lead.”
“I’m proud of what we built with Horizon Strategies, and I’m eager to take this next step with my new company into new spaces and continue the great work we’ve been doing in the community,” said Ms. Pacheco, a mother of three and a graduate of the University of Arizona, Stanford University and the MIT Nuclear Reactor Technology program.
“People look to us when they want to build bridges, grow their brands, advance legislation or achieve a specific goal, and there’s no better feeling than being a part of something that brings people together and improves quality of life here in Arizona.”
