Ryan Kaup has been hired as the new economic development director for the city of Apache Junction.

Kaup replaces the previous economic development director, Patrick Ainsworth, and will begin his role with the city on Monday, Feb. 10.

The city’s Economic Development Department is committed to attracting jobs and capital investment that benefits all segments of the population, according to a release.

Kaup has more than a decade of experience in economic development and a strong understanding of the East Valley, having worked for the city of Chandler for the past 11 years. 

He comes to the city after working as the economic development project manager for the city of Chandler since 2017. During his time in Chandler, he led projects resulting in the attraction and expansion retention of more than 150 companies, accounting for $1.7 billion in capital investment, 7.2 million square feet of absorption and 13,000 jobs, according to a release.

“Ryan is well known in the economic development world and has a proven track record of leadership, a collaborative approach, and extensive private-sector relationships that will be invaluable in advancing the city’s economic development efforts,” Apache Junction City Manager Bryant Powell said in the release.

“I am humbled to be selected as Apache Junction’s economic development director,” Kaup said in the release. “Apache Junction is beginning to build a strong foundation for future economic development opportunities and I am excited to lead these efforts moving forward. Our department will be laser-focused on fostering a business-friendly environment while proactively communicating our community’s strategic goals to the private sector.”

Kaup has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Miami (Ohio) University and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University.

He is an ambassador for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and a member of the Arizona Association for Economic Development, CoreNet, and Urban Land Institute.

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