Janine Solley new Apache Junction economic development director
The city of Apache Junction has named 15-year city veteran Janine Solley as director of economic development for the city.
Ms. Solley has been economic development administrator since 2013 and served six years prior to that as business advocate for the city. She has held various capacities with Apache Junction since 2001. Ms. Solley was instrumental in the development of the city’s downtown revitalization and implementation strategy, an initiative to balance the planning efforts with a realistic program to create a vibrant downtown business and tourist district, according to a press release.
Her appointment was announced July 19 by Apache Junction City Manager Bryant Powell.
Ms. Solley will oversee the city’s ongoing efforts to bring industry, jobs and tourists to Apache Junction, an area that draws more than half a million visitors each year.
“Solley has been crucial in the evolution of our central business district, bringing our important stakeholders together for the good of the entire city, its citizens and business owners,” City Manager Powell said in the release. “Her leadership is critical in the continued development of Apache Junction as a destination city for small and large industry.”
Ms. Solley has a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.
She is a certified economic developer through the International Economic Development Council and an ex-officio member of the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce board. She is also on several boards or panels, including:
•Ambassador Steering Committee and Economic Development Directors Team, Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
•Phoenix-East Valley Marketing Committee, East Valley Partnership.
•Superstition Mountain Historical Society board.
•Apache Junction Wellness Partnership Committee.
Ms. Solley is also a member of the Arizona Association of Economic Development, the International Economic Development Council and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
