Economic development group gets new ops and events manager

The Arizona Association for Economic Development expanded its Phoenix office with a new hire and promoted a current staff member, according to Executive Director Carrie Kelly.

Braxton Hynes joins the group as its member engagement and development manager, Kelly said.

Hynes previously served as rural community and economic development program manager with Local First Arizona and as manager of customer success at Yelp.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University.

“Braxton is passionate about Arizona’s businesses and economic resiliency,” Kelly said. “Drawing from her experience in small business education, business development, and statewide tourism, she is excited to further (the group’s) mission to advocate responsible economic development throughout the state.”

In addition, the group promoted one of its own — Juliana Jervis— to operations and events manager. Jervis joined the group as an office assistant in 2019.

Previously, she worked at America’s Public Television Stations as an events and staff assistant. There, she helped with registrations and sponsorships for its annual event, in addition to membership recruitment and management.

Jervis has a bachelor’s degree in sports management with minors in business administration and event planning from West Virginia University.

“Juliana has been integral in implementing positive changes at AAED,” Kelly said. “She has been assisting with marketing and outreach, organizing our events and conferences, and keeping our association on track.”