Jessica Pacheco, incoming Chair of the Arizona Board of Regents, which governs the state’s universities, Horizon Strategies’ former CEO, and one of the state’s most respected and well-connected business leaders, has launched Pacheco Ventures, a transformative strategic advisory firm serving the state’s most successful athletes, executives, organizations, corporations and innovators.
Pacheco has long been a trusted strategist to some of Arizona’s most notable names, drawing upon more than 35 years in the industry, including 25 years at Arizona Public Service, to help a “who’s who” of the state’s business, sports and political arenas uncover new opportunities, meet objectives successfully, combat challenges and make impactful community connections.
“Jessica is the one to call when you need to build a brand, think three steps ahead or bring the right people together,” said former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “She’s proven herself proactive in the state’s sports, energy and business markets, and if you have a problem to solve or an idea worth pursuing, she’s the person who’s going to make it happen.”
Former Phoenix Suns great and two-time NBA “Most Valuable Player” Steve Nash expressed similar sentiments about Pacheco’s prowess.
“It’s always an honor to partner with Jessica and see her use her knowledge, experience and relationships to make a difference for clients and the community,” Nash said. “She’s the one you want in your corner when you need to think bigger, execute smarter or make sure your message makes its way to the right people.”
She spent several decades in the private sector in an executive leadership role for a Fortune 500 energy company, and she also spearheaded numerous political initiatives and campaigns in Arizona, serving as a senior advisor for both state and federal-level candidates.
In addition to Pacheco’s professional achievements, she’s also a fixture in state philanthropic and charitable circles such as Thunderbird Charities, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, and Childhelp, as well as working to expand options and improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals and develop energy-saving solutions for data centers. She also serves as the incoming Chair of the Arizona Board of Regents following a 2021 appointment by then-Gov. Doug Ducey and is the on the board of the Arizona Thunderbirds. Pacheco has also served as President of the Board of Directors for the Arizona – Mexico Commission and the Political Affairs Chair and executive committee member for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.
“Jessica’s name has long been synonymous with success, collaboration and progress, and she knows what it takes to see an idea all the way through from conception to completion,” said venture capitalist, Jack Selby. “Few people can move as seamlessly between social and professional circles as she can, and she has the confidence and capabilities that make the smartest, most successful people in the room want to follow her lead.”
“I’m proud of what we built with Horizon Strategies, and I’m eager to take this next step with my new company into new spaces and continue the great work we’ve been doing in the community,” said Pacheco, a mother of three and a graduate of the University of Arizona, Stanford University and the MIT Nuclear Reactor Technology program. “People look to us when they want to build bridges, grow their brands, advance legislation or achieve a specific goal, and there’s no better feeling than being a part of something that brings people together and improves quality of life here in Arizona.”
