Samantha Pinkal joined GPEC as Vice President of Business Development in June 2021. Sam’s primary focus is on the growth of the industrial and advanced manufacturing industries in the region. With a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, her specialty is in acting as a liaison between clients and communities with a unique understanding of both side of the deal and how best to navigate to optimal solutions. From site selection to site layout and logistics, she’s passionate about helping clients make informed, strategic decisions.

Originally from southwest Nebraska, Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She spent a decade working for The Weitz Company, a national general contractor in Phoenix, managing large commercial projects and in Business Development and Marketing. Most recently she worked for City of Surprise Economic Development Department as a Project Manager for two-and-a-half years, where she led business attraction efforts in the enterprise commercial and industrial sectors.

Samantha serves in leadership positions for AZCREW, ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and various board and committees with Greater Phoenix organizations. She enjoys spending time at the lake on her stand-up paddleboard, tracking down murals in every city she visits, and playing sand and indoor volleyball.