The Greater Phoenix Economic Council will have a new leader after Chris Camacho announced he was leaving the role of president and CEO to join a company that sells stun guns and body cameras, according to a June 27 Linkedin post.

Camacho, who was hired by GPEC in 2015, has been part of a group of Valley leaders who have traveled overseas to bring back business to the Grand Canyon State.

Camacho announced he will join Axon Enterprise Inc. as a senior leader at the Scottsdale-based firm, his post stated.

In a statement, Camacho said he's "proud of the work we did in Taiwan helping to establish the region's relationship with TSMC and a variety of companies that strengthen the base" of our world-class" semiconductor ecosystem. 

"It's truly remarkable to see how we've transformed into a global marketplace, one that companies around the world want to be part of in developing this resilient, diverse economy," Camacho said in the statement.

More than 40 semiconductor companies and suppliers have made homes in the Valley since 2021, according to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. One big accomplishment was getting Taiwan Semiconductor Co. to open an Arizona operation starting in 2021.

A board of directors will get together and assess who will take Camacho’s place, said Logan Newman, a GPEC spokesman. A timetable on hiring a replacement has not been set.

"The search committee, consisting of members of GPEC’s board of directors’ executive committee and select other members — will list the role and conduct a thorough industry-wide evaluation of candidates," Newman said. 

Some colleagues took the news as a surprise.

The news was “bittersweet,” according to Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.

“Bittersweet news, but we are so excited for you!” Watson said in a separate post. “Congratulations on your incredible tenure at GPEC. You have been a great partner in our state’s economic transformation, and it’s been a privilege making the case for Arizona along with you. Thank you for your leadership, partnership, and friendship, and we wish you all the best at Axon!”

Camacho was called "an effective leader" in a statement from TSMC Arizona.

"Chris Camacho was a part of the cross-state and city team that met with TSMC as we were evaluating different states for our first advanced semiconductor operation in the U.S.," the TSMC Arizona statement said.  "(The) Greater Phoenix Economic Council is an important partner to TSMC Arizona and Chris has been an effective leader as evidenced by the tremendous investment that has been made in the valley during his tenure.”

The economic development leader for the city of Phoenix said Camacho gave officials an "outstanding partnership" and an "unwavering commitment" to the city's economic vitality.

"...Chris has been a driving force behind transformative growth in our region and his leadership has left an indelible mark on Phoenix and the region," said Christine Mackay, community and economic development director for the city of Phoenix.  "We congratulate him on his new position and wish him continued success as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. We are incredibly grateful for all he has done."