Keith Watkins

Senior Vice President, Businesss Attraction

Keith Watkins is a third generation Arizona native, bringing 25 years of experience in economic development and real estate to the Arizona Commerce Authority. He played a key role in the startup and formative years of GPEC, serving as its Vice President of Corporate Locations, as well as the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore. Mr. Watkins also served as the Economic Development and Aviation Director with the Town of Buckeye.

Mr. Watkins played a pivotal role in recruiting and retaining some of the Phoenix area's most prominent employers. Among them: Vanguard Mutual Funds, Henkel (formerly the Dial Corp), Midwestern University, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Wells Fargo Call Center, Bank of America Call Center, Avnet, Sumitomo Sitix, American Express and Charles Schwab, Catholic Healthcare West, Discover Card, Wells Cargo Trailers and St. Jude Medical. His real estate background includes land development and brokerage.

Mr. Watkins is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Regional Development.