After a nationwide search, the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA) announced the hiring of James B. Smith, Ph.D., as vice president of business development.

Smith will be responsible for developing and executing business recruitment initiatives for MEDA on behalf of the City of Maricopa. He has 25 years of progressively successful leadership, and economic and community development experience, with non-profit organizations and private-public partnerships.

“We are delighted to have recruited someone of James’ caliber to help propel MEDA in its newly expanded role,” said John Schurz, MEDA chairman and CEO. “His track record in building organizations, communities and economies will greatly advance MEDA’s ability to fulfill and exceed its mandate as Maricopa’s official outwardly facing economic development organization.”