The Town of Gilbert welcomes Jennifer Lindley as its next Economic Development Director following a comprehensive search and interview process.
Lindley brings more than 20 years of municipal leadership experience across Arizona, most recently serving as Downtown Development Manager for the Town of Queen Creek. In that role, she led redevelopment strategy, managed interdepartmental project teams, and played a key part in reshaping the community’s growing downtown core. Her background also includes serving as Executive Director of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and Vice President of the East Valley Partnership, where she collaborated with public- and private sector partners to advance regional economic development initiatives.
She is the current Past President of the Arizona Association for Economic Development and has been recognized statewide as a leader in her field, including being named Economic Developer of the Year and receiving the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honor.
Town Manager Mario Paniagua said Lindley distinguished herself through her strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of Gilbert’s organizational values. “Throughout our conversations with Jennifer, what stood out most was her bold, forward looking approach to strategy paired with a genuine alignment to who we are as an organization,” Paniagua said. “She listens with care, she isn’t afraid to push for ambitious outcomes, and she brings the kind of collaborative energy that will serve her well as a partner across our executive team and the community. We believe she’s the right leader to help carry Gilbert’s economic vitality into its next chapter.”
Lindley will oversee Gilbert’s economic development initiatives, including business attraction and retention, tourism, redevelopment, and strategic planning efforts that support long-term community and economic growth.
“What drew me to Gilbert is its clear focus on purposeful, long term economic vitality,” Lindley shared. “I’m energized by the opportunity to collaborate across the organization and with the community to advance strategies that strengthen Gilbert’s position as a place where people and businesses can thrive.”
Lindley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University and an MBA from Benedictine University.