Avondale’s Assistant Director of Economic Development, Cheryl Covert, has been promoted to director, the City of Avondale. Covert brings more than 20 years of economic development experience and has been a driving force behind many of Avondale’s most transformative projects.
Since joining the city in 2012 as an Employment and Business Development Specialist, she has steadily advanced through the organization, serving as Assistant Economic Development Director beginning in 2019 and most recently as Interim Director. Throughout her tenure, Covert has played a key role in implementing the strategic vision established by the Mayor and City Council to position Avondale as a premier destination for business investment, healthcare, tourism, and redevelopment.
Among her most notable accomplishments is the creation and growth of the West Valley Health Quarter, a specialty district spanning McDowell Road from 99th Avenue to Dysart Road. Under Covert’s leadership, the district has attracted more than a dozen healthcare organizations and generated over $270 million in healthcare-related capital investment, bringing nearly 1,000 high-quality jobs to the community while expanding access to healthcare services throughout the West Valley.
Covert has also been instrumental in advancing The BLVD, one of the city’s premier mixed-use and entertainment districts. Working alongside the City Council, developers, and private-sector partners, she helped establish the foundation for the district’s success. Today, nearly every vacant parcel within The BLVD is under development or committed to future investment. The district continues to gain momentum with destination restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, and hospitality projects, including the recently announced full-service Embassy Suites hotel featuring conference space and a rooftop bar, scheduled to break ground in summer 2026.
In addition to her business attraction efforts, Covert has championed workforce development initiatives that connect residents to career opportunities and help employers access skilled talent. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships with educational institutions, workforce organizations, healthcare providers, and regional economic development partners, ensuring Avondale remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses.
