The Phoenix Industrial Development Authority, a nonprofit public corporation of the City of Phoenix providing innovative public financing, has named Carlos Contreras as its new chief investment officer. The Phoenix IDA plays a critical role in advancing projects that strengthen local economies, expand opportunity, and deliver measurable public benefit across Phoenix and Maricopa County.
In his new role, Contreras will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Community Enhancement Corporation, the Community Investment Fund, communications, government affairs and special projects. His work will focus on aligning investment strategies with the Phoenix IDA’s mission while strengthening partnerships with public, private and nonprofit stakeholders.
“Carlos brings a unique blend of financial expertise, government experience and a deep understanding of how investment decisions translate into real community impact,” said Juan Salgado, CEO of the Phoenix IDA. “He has a proven ability to lead complex initiatives, build trusted partnerships and steward resources responsibly. That combination made him the clear choice for this role.”
Contreras brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as director for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, where he led statewide workforce and economic mobility initiatives, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and launched programs to expand access to capital and job pathways. His career also includes executive leadership roles at Intel, where he oversaw national and international initiatives focused on emerging technologies, workforce development and community investment.
As CIO, Contreras will work closely with Phoenix IDA leadership, board members and community partners to advance high-impact projects and ensure that the organization’s investments continue to deliver long-term benefits for Phoenix residents.
“I’m honored to join the Phoenix IDA at a time when strategic investment is more important than ever,” Contreras said. “I look forward to working with the team and our partners to advance projects that create jobs, expand opportunity and strengthen communities.”
Contreras holds a Master of Business Administration in corporate finance from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arizona.
