Dr. Heather Carter to strengthen higher ED’s role in spurring Arizona innovation
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Partnership for Economic Innovation is announcing that Dr. Heather Carter, senior vice chancellor of external affairs at Maricopa County Community College District, has joined its board of directors.
Dr. Carter’s leadership and expertise will help PEI innovate its workforce development strategies to address Arizona’s growing talent needs.
Dr. Carter was recently named MCCCD’s senior vice chancellor of external affairs where she oversees the planning, development and coordination of strategic workforce, economic, government, and community affairs initiatives.
“As the Partnership for Economic Innovation looks to Arizona’s future as a hotbed for innovative activities, we must ensure that we have a strong talent pipeline to keep our momentum going,” said John Graham, CEO and chairman of Sunbelt Holdings and board chair of the Partnership for Economic Innovation. “Dr. Carter’s extensive background in Arizona’s policy leadership and education landscapes will be instrumental as the PEI board advocates for collaborative workforce development strategies.”
Before joining MCCCD, Dr. Carter served as the executive vice president for Greater Phoenix Leadership, where she led policy advancement, political engagement, and strategic planning, with a focus on healthcare, education, and workforce initiatives, including Prop. 308 and the creation of the Arizona Education Game Plan.
As an elected official, Dr. Carter served eight years in the Arizona House of Representatives and one term in the Arizona State Senate.
“PEI is a champion for workforce development that focuses on meeting employer and community needs while equipping students and all job seekers with the skills necessary to gain high-paying jobs in today’s market,” said Dr. Carter. “As a board member, I look forward to advocating for higher education and collaborating with Arizona’s business, education and community leaders to advance economic innovation in our region.”
