Kristen Stephenson

Kristen Stephenson serves as GPEC’s senior vice president of research & analytics. Kristen rejoined the team in 2018 after previously working for the organization from 2002-2014. In her role, she leads the competitor market analysis, community partnership and research innovation programs, while supporting the efforts of the business development and marketing teams.

Prior to rejoining GPEC, Kristen worked for the City of Glendale in the Office of Economic Development, focusing on business attraction and expansion, including projects such as IKEA, Progressive Leasing, Bechtel and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union. She also provided support to strategic projects and research for the city.

Kristen has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Community and Economic Development from the Pennsylvania State University. She is an International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Certified Economic Developer and chairs the Fall Forum Committee for the Arizona Association for Economic Development.