Phoenix IDA Announces New Board Members

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix IDA announces the appointment of Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson and David Lujan to its Board of Directors. Erickson and Lujan join a nine-member Board appointed by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Phoenix.

The Phoenix IDA provides bond financing for community and economic development projects, issuing more than $1.5 billion in bonds since 2009.

Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson and David Lujan bring a strong background in human resources, education and public policy which reinforces the Phoenix IDA’s vision of strengthening economic development and our communities,” said Juan Salgado, executive director of the Phoenix IDA.

Erickson is a senior analyst in Human Resource Services at Salt River Project, one of the nation’s largest public power utilities. During her time at SRP, Erickson has worked in The Office of the President, Financial Services, and Human Resource Services. Her current work in HR is primarily around communications, change management and strategic workforce planning. Prior to joining SRP, Erickson worked as a fourth grade teacher at I.G. Conchos Elementary School in the Roosevelt School District as part of the Teach For America program.

Erickson currently serves the community as a mentor with New Pathways for Youth, a leader for Phoenix Metro YoungLives, and a Community Advisory Board member for Arizona PBS. She is a graduate of Phoenix Valley Leadership’s Class XXXIII and has also worked with the Mesa Chamber Business & Education Alliance, Better to Give Foundation and SRP’s Science for Kids.

Lujan is an attorney and currently the executive director of public policy for Reading Partners, a national nonprofit organization focused on ensuring all students read proficiently by the time they reach fourth grade.

Prior to his work with Reading Partners, Lujan was the chief administrator for ASU Preparatory Academy, a unique public charter school operated by Arizona State University serving preschool through grade twelve.

Lujan also served 10 years as an elected official, eight years as a governing board member for the Phoenix Union High School District, six years in the Arizona House of Representatives, and two years in the Arizona Senate.

Established in 1981 by the Phoenix City Council, the Phoenix IDA serves as a conduit issuer of private activity bonds which attract private investment to finance projects that provide a public benefit.  The Phoenix IDA has a long history of providing access to capital for community and economic development projects. By establishing public-private partnerships through revenue bond financing projects, the Phoenix IDA strives to increase job opportunities within the community, support education and health care, and provide housing for underserved communities, all which benefit the residents of the city of Phoenix and the state of Arizona. The Phoenix IDA does not rely on any type of taxpayer or general fund dollars. For additional information, visit www.phoenixida.com.