Phoenix, AZ – John Chan, a longtime employee of the city’s economic development agencies, was named permanent director of the Phoenix Convention Center. He held the job on an interim basis for nearly a year.
Chan has had a full plate of responsibilities since taking over for Jay Green, who retired at the end of April 2009, a few months after the center’s major expansion opened for business in January 2009. The Phoenix Convention Center ranks No. 20 in Trade Show Executive’s World’s Top Convention Centers directory with 645,500 square feet of prime exhibit space. Along with hosting the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting – the largest in the center’s history – the facility was the scene of activities connected to the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. The center is currently preparing bids to host the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Chan, a Phoenix native, has several years of experience at bringing business to the Valley of the Sun. He began his career with the Phoenix Economic Development Department in 1992 and took part in assisting 180 companies in relocating or expanding to the area. Most recently, he was director of the Downtown Development Office, the agency overseeing construction of the downtown Sheraton Hotel and other major projects.
Reach John Chan at (602) 262-6225 or john.chan@phoenix.gov
