Meet our Team

Constance “Connie” Capiotis

Executive Director

Constance “Connie” Capiotis is a nonprofit leader and community development strategist with more than 20 years of experience in program development, organizational strategy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. She serves as Senior Program Manager at Arizona State University’s Center for Energy & Society and is the founder and Board Chair of Digital Bridges International, a nonprofit that expands access to practical, skills-based education. Connie holds a master’s degree in Competitive Intelligence Systems and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing. She is passionate about building cross-sector partnerships and creating inclusive economic opportunities that help individuals, businesses, and communities thrive.

Meet our Board

Cameron Robb

Board Chair – APS

Cameron is VVREO’s Secretary and has been part of VVREO since 2021. She has been in workforce and economic development for the past decade and currently serves as the Senior Economic Development Consultant at Arizona Public Service (APS). She works closely with state, county, regional, and municipal economic development organizations to attract and stimulate business investment that creates jobs and supports a healthy economy in Arizona.

Tom Binnings

Treasurer

Tom has lived in the Verde Valley since 2018 and has been part of VVREO since 2021. He became Chairperson of the Board in 2023. Tom has an extensive background in economic and community development and is a co-founder of Summit Economics. His focus and passion are on building vibrant communities using economic development tools from the state level down to neighborhoods. He brings a data-driven perspective to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the realms of community and commercial development as well as public-private partnerships. He teaches graduate courses at Webster Universities in the U.S. and China (2015-2021), writes the “Economist” column in CoBiz Magazine, is an active presenter, and has appeared on PBS’s Newshour. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, fishing, and cooking.

David Key

Vice Chair – President & CEO, Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce

David Key is a nonprofit executive dedicated to serving the small business community of Arizona with a focus on sustainable growth and innovation. He currently serves as the President & CEO of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. Prior to this role, David served as the Director of Business Development at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, where he strengthened the relationship between the small business community and public institutions such as the City of Tempe and Arizona State University. In 2023, David was named a 40 Under 40 leader by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive. His leadership in the Chamber of Commerce industry includes an active participation in the Western Association of Chamber Executives, serving an advisory role to the W.A.C.E. board of directors through the Emerging Leaders Council. David earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Arizona State University where he established a passion for entrepreneurship and life long learning. He spent the first ten years of his career in the entertainment industry, working as a concert promoter in the Phoenix area and traveling the world as a tour manager. In his personal time he enjoys traveling, writing music, exploring nature and attending concerts.

David Meyers

Secretary

David Meyers has 15+ years’ management experience in economic & workforce development, data analysis, and project management. He has 17+ years’ experience with the US Navy now serving as a Chief Petty Officer. His military career has given him extensive experience in leadership, personnel development, crisis management, detainee operations, base management, credentialing and base security. David has an undergraduate degree in Urban & Regional Studies with an emphasis in community development and public administration. He and his wife are no strangers to entrepreneurship, opening and running the Verde Drive-In during the spring of 2020. Dave competed in the inaugural Verde Valley Moonshot as well as other business training through the SBDC and other organizations. David enjoys spending time with his wife Kristy, and their two children. You might find them enjoying a local brewery, taqueria, hanging out at a park, or serving at their church.

Ray Selna

Selna Realty

Ray was a founding member of VVREO in 2006 and has served the organization in several roles including former Chairperson of the Board of Directors. He believes in the vision of VVREO as a collaboration of private business and economic development professionals to sustain a high quality of living for our residents. Ray’s family has been in the Verde Valley for generations. He is the Owner of Selna Realty and is active in many community organizations in the Verde Valley.

Carter Benton

Salt River Project

Carter is a Water Programs Analyst for Salt River Project, a position he began in August 2022. As the only employee based in the Verde Valley, he has been learning a great deal about water rights and the communities that make up the Verde River watershed. In particular, Carter’s role includes developing and maintaining relationships with key partners in the Verde Valley as well as assisting in the implementation of solutions to water-related issues in preparation for general stream adjudication. Carter joined VVREO’s Board in 2024.

Before SRP, Carter worked in agricultural real estate for 20 years, primarily as a consultant for Ganado Group, Inc. in Phoenix. In that role, he worked on valuing ranch/conservation properties across Arizona and into New Mexico. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Arizona State University (2002) and an MFA from the University of Montana (2008). Carter loves good literature and spending time with his wife and two children.

Michelle Kostecki

City of Cottonwood

Michelle serves as the Economic Development & Tourism Manager for the City of Cottonwood, focusing on supporting both new and established businesses in Cottonwood, Arizona. In addition to being the commercial hub of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood is a thriving community boasting of award-winning wineries, tasting rooms, and vibrant local experiences, all of which continue to attract both visitors and new businesses alike. Michelle’s experience spans leading organizations through change, developing high-impact branding and marketing strategies, and fostering strong relationships. With 30+ years working in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, Michelle has a comprehensive outlook on business and localities. After serving in professional capacities in Las Vegas and San Francisco, Michelle was pleased to return to her home state of Arizona in 2009, and to specifically dedicate her expertise to the Verde Valley region that she loves.

Marci Kufka Taylor, JD

Mantra

Marci is a legal industry veteran with 25+ years of experience. She provides strategy, management, and marketing consulting services to law firms throughout the country. Marci works with law firm managing partners, department/practice leaders and C-suite executives and advises clients on strategic planning and growth, succession planning, firm, and practice management, brand strategy, marketing and business development, and client relations. Marci’s understanding of market dynamics, firm culture, and interpersonal relationships allows her to serve as a trusted advisor to guide clients to smart growth, intergenerational transition, and effective, motivational management. Marci has been quoted in the business and legal press and written for leading industry publications. Her thought-provoking presentations have been featured at national and regional conferences, seminars, workshops, and retreats. She has been part of VVREO since 2023.

Andrew Grossmann

Tourism Manager – City of Sedona

Andrew serves as the Tourism Manager for the City of Sedona, where he oversees day-to-day activities of the city’s Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO). In this role, he develops and implements strategies that balance a thriving visitor economy with a high quality of life for residents and the stewardship of Sedona’s natural and built environment. With a strong background in destination management and tourism product development, Andrew previously led state-level initiatives at both Travel Oregon and the Colorado Tourism Office before joining the team in Sedona.

Edwin Hazelwood Jr.

Yavapai-Apache Nation

Edwin Hazelwood Jr. is a distinguished leader in economic development with over ten years of experience in advancing strategic growth initiatives within tribal government. Currently, he serves as the Community Development Director for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, where he oversees economic development, land-use planning, and infrastructure projects that align with the priorities of the Tribal Council and support long-term economic sustainability objectives. Mr. Hazelwood possesses extensive expertise in market and demographic analysis, land development strategy, capital improvement planning, and data-driven economic decision support. He has provided executive-level analysis and strategic recommendations to the Tribal Council and senior leadership, facilitating investment decisions, resource allocation, and initiatives that focus on job creation and fostering long-term community resilience. He holds a Master of Project Management and a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science, both conferred with the highest academic distinction by Arizona State University. His academic background, combined with progressive leadership experience in economic development, reinforces his proficiency in strategic planning, infrastructure development, economic analysis, and governance-level advisory support.

Aly Saxe

VP of Entrepreneurship & Business Development – Local First Arizona

Aly has been helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses for twenty years. As VP of Entrepreneurship and Business Development at Local First Arizona, Aly brings her deep admiration for founders of all types of businesses and passion for the entrepreneurial journey. Aly has worked with many kinds of startups, including two of her own, across Arizona and the Southwest, and has helped to grow venture ecosystems at higher ed institutions and statewide coalitions. She teaches Entrepreneurship at the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU. At Local First Arizona, Aly is committed to helping businesses thrive through innovative programming, creative capital, and resources that help at every stage.

Danusia Szumowski

Yavapai College SBDC

Danusia Szumowski is Director of the Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College, where she supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Yavapai County. With more than 25 years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and operations, she has worked across technology, education, food and beverage, and consulting sectors. Danusia serves on the boards of the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization and the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and is an advisor to Sister Cities International.