The team

Barry Broome serves as the first President & CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Barry is responsible for leading community-driven efforts to attract, grow and scale new businesses; develop advanced industries and guide new job-creation strategies throughout the six-county region. In his role, he has established the first public/private partnership economic development organization led by chief executive officers in California. The organization is led by 50+ CEOs and 22 communities in the Greater Sacramento region.

Previously, Barry was the President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) where he delivered more than 50,000 jobs and 250 company locates into the Phoenix region. Under his leadership, for six out of the ten years, GPEC was named one of the top economic organizations in North America by Site Selection Magazine. In 2013, he was also named Arizona Economic Developer of the Year, Arizona Real Estate Executive of the Year and received the Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce award.

Prior to Arizona, Barry was the CEO of Southwest Michigan First (SMF), where he built an organization from the ground up, which was later listed in the top 20 companies in North America by Site Selection Magazine. In 2006, SMF was named one of the fast 50 companies in Inc. Magazine— the first nonprofit to have that honor. Barry built and co-developed venture funds, angel networks, and 31 new ventures – primarily in the life science space in the Kalamazoo region. Barry was named Michigan Economic Developer of the Year in 2001. Preceding Michigan, Barry led the economic development in Toledo, Ohio. There, he completed the largest industrial deal in the history of the United States, Project Jeep, which was built on 450 acres of brownfields in the North Central Toledo area.

Barry has been featured and interviewed for his work in global and national media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg, Forbes and CNBC, among other publications. In addition, he was the keynote speaker at Arizona State University’s 2009 graduation and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Chicago, Notre Dame, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University.

Brittany has been with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council since its 2015 inception. She serves as the Chief Performance Officer reporting directly to the President & CEO. She is responsible for the development of company-wide international operations, organizational alignment and processes. She ensures that the organizations goals are realistic in the business climate; that they are aligned with the mission and vision of the company and that they will be beneficial to the community, investors and employees.

Prior to GSEC, Brittany worked for a full-service public relations agency, focusing most heavily on celebrity and media placement and brand development. At CLD, she was a Celebrity Placement Specialist garnering top-tier, A-list celebrity placements. She built strong relationships that yielded strong results (ie: red carpets, events, paparazzi shots of everyday outings) as well as through traditional media shoots, digital media and social media.

She graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s in communications and business administration. She is also an active volunteer with the Salvation Army. She participates in different programs such as Meals on Wheels, Adopt a Family and Christmas Angels. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, Charli and Leni and English bulldog, Harper.

Troels serves as the Executive Vice President, leading Business Development, Marketing, Research and Strategy for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. A native of Denmark but now a true believer in the California Dream, he lives in Sacramento with his wife Christy and their two rambunctious boys.

An accomplished economic development executive, Troels has personally been involved in the creation of over 13,000 jobs throughout his career. Prior to joining the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, he led tradable sector economic development activities for the City of Portland, Oregon. During his tenure, he strategically repositioned his team to serve the City of Portland’s key industry clusters with a strong inclusion lens and reenergized the city’s international trade efforts. Major wins included the expansions of Adidas’ and Daimler Trucks’ North American Headquarters and new locations of Genentech, Amazon Web Services and Square. All told, these and other projects supported the creation of 4,400 net new jobs for the city and hundreds of millions in new capital investment. Troels was also instrumental in serving Portland businesses during the pandemic, leading several major emergency grant and loan programs, advising key leaders on recovery planning and co-creating the statewide Small Business Stabilization Fund in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation.

Prior to his time in Portland, Troels spent nine years in Atlanta, first with Partnership Gwinnett and then leading the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s work in developing that region’s globally competitive supply chain and automotive ecosystems. Together with executives from Porsche, AT&T, Panasonic, Cox Automotive and Georgia Tech he founded a regional automotive technology consortium to bring R&D assets to Metro Atlanta. He also launched a major initiative in partnership with 25 major corporations to spotlight Atlanta’s supply chain technology ecosystem and sourced projects that led to the creation of over 2,500 jobs in the region.

Before he found his true calling in economic development, Troels started out in the community development space, building his nonprofit management and accounting skills at one of New York City’s largest community-based nonprofits, CAMBA. He is particularly passionate about early childhood nutrition and currently serves as a Board Member for the Urban School Food Alliance, a coalition of the largest school districts in the United States working together to improve school food for our nation’s children.

Troels is a proud alum of the University of Copenhagen with a BA in Political Science and holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech. The latter earned him the prestigious Ed McClure Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, given to the top Master’s student paper in North America each year.

Matthew Miller, CEcD, is an economic development executive with over 16 years of experience in research, strategy, and leadership roles. He most recently served as the Principal for Economic Development for UniSource Energy Corporation, leading business development strategic planning efforts for a holding company of vertically-integrated investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Northern and Southern Arizona. He spearheaded 5X growth in the electric utility pipeline, systematized risk analysis and project management of new business opportunities, and led efforts on corporate strategy related to growth, the new commercial customer experience, and community impact.

Prior to his time at UniSource Energy Corporation, Miller served as the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and in executive roles at Greater Portland Inc and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Miller has served in board and advisory leadership roles for the Arizona Association for Economic Development, the Oregon Economic Development Association, the City of Portland Council of Economic Advisors, the Portland Economic Investment Corporation, and was appointed to the Wildfire Economic Recovery Council by Oregon Governor Kate Brown.

In 2020, Miller earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council and was named by Development Counselors International as a National 40 Under 40 Leader in Economic Development.

Danea Thomas is excited to serve the mission of Greater Sacramento Economic Council as the Director of Finance.

Danea joined GSEC in December of 2019 with over 15 years of experience in accounting, human resources and general business management. She has a passion for community and service, focusing her career on improving the financial health and wellness of various nonprofit and mission-based organizations in the Greater Sacramento area.

Danea spends her free time reading science fiction novels, keeping her large Koi fish pond and searching for the best local margarita.

As Director of Events & Engagement for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Olivia is responsible for managing all external GSEC events and meetings, as well as overseeing the organization’s community engagement strategy.

Since joining GSEC in 2018, Olivia has launched the organization’s first webinar series, providing critical information to community members and business leaders during the COVID-19 crisis. She also oversaw the development of the engagED program, a community engagement program designed to educate and mobilize community leaders to actively participate in the region’s economic development initiatives.

Prior to working at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Olivia was a key member of the events team at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. There, she helped coordinate signature events like the Downtown Ice Rink, Farmers’ Markets and Concerts in the Park. Later, she refined her experience as an Event Coordinator for Marriott, where she supported the production of several citywide events, including the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium and SacAnime.

Olivia is a graduate of Sacramento State, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration. As a proud Sacramento native, she is passionate about creating world-class events that showcase the region’s value proposition, as well as provide opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate all that Sacramento has to offer. She is an active member of her community, and in addition to her role at GSEC, Olivia also sits on Visit Sacramento’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys exploring the region’s ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, attending concerts and watching documentaries.

Isabel serves as the Investor Engagement Coordinator for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council working alongside the Community Engagement and Events Manager to support external events and meetings. Originally from Portland, Oregon Isabel now finds themselves in Sacramento and is eager to explore the region’s opportunities whilst also supporting its growth.

Isabel received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Boise State University and was an active member of the Boise State Blue Thunder Marching Band. During this time they also gained invaluable non-profit experience at the International Rescue Committee as the ESL Intern, supporting persons and families affected by humanitarian crises. It is here that Isabel discovered a passion for community empowerment and wellbeing.

Prior to their role at GSEC, Isabel found themselves getting acquainted with our neighbors across the pond in Bedford, England. They worked with Bedford Girls’ School, an Independent future focused Girls School, as the Careers and Sixth Form Administrator. Their role included administration support to both the Head of Careers and Director of Sixth Form while also managing all Sixth Form external events and workshops. Now, Isabel looks forward to using their experience to turn a new page and focus on a career in Event Coordination.

In their free time, Isabel loves to spend time outdoors with their partner and nosy labrador Chance, cooking with a good cider in hand, rewatching comfort shows and exploring different cities!

Eileen’s previous experience is with a background in e-commerce account management and marketing where she worked with clients ranging from industrial equipment to healthcare accessories. In her current role, she provides daily support to the staff and finance team.

Eileen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Justice, complemented by double minors in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies, reflecting her strong commitment to understanding and advocating for social change.

Outside of work, she enjoys unwinding by watching documentaries that deepen her knowledge on various topics, and she finds peace in nature by going for hikes during her free time.

As an Events Intern for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Danish supports the planning and coordination of events that strengthen community ties and advance the organization’s mission.

With extensive experience in event design and management, Danish has played a key role in curating impactful events for diverse audiences. At DS Events, they planned and executed cultural celebrations, weddings, and festive gatherings, integrating modern elements into traditional designs to deliver memorable experiences. At Gill Decor, Danish honed their expertise in décor strategy, venue setup, and client collaboration, ensuring each event reflected the client’s vision.

Danish is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics at Sacramento State. A Northern California native, Danish is passionate about using their event planning skills to highlight what the region has to offer and showcase the diverse spirit of the Greater Sacramento area. Their commitment to delivering memorable experiences reflects a deep belief in the power of events to bring people together and inspire positive change.

In his free time, Danish enjoys being outdoors, discovering local attractions, and exploring the food scene in the region.

As the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC), Jasmine leads communications of the region’s business value proposition. Since joining GSEC in 2018, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s marketing vision, including spearheading award-winning campaigns that have earned recognition on CNBC and Bloomberg.

Before joining GSEC in 2018, Jasmine cut her teeth in marketing, communications and graphic design consulting and working for a variety of startup, local government and nonprofit organizations.

Jasmine graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Ethnicity and a minor in French.

As Associate Creative Director, Hugo is responsible for creating and updating high quality digital, print and multimedia assets that support all of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council’s activities. He works to further extend the organization’s existing brand system to develop core organizational templates, marketing campaign components, event materials and social media content.

Hugo’s creative projects include graphic design, drawing, cinematography, photography and editorial work. Prior to working at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Hugo spent several years in film production working on the sets of movies, short films, tv shows and commercials. He enjoyed being behind the camera lens shooting and directing the visual style of commercials and TV shows. His attention to detail developed in editing video and photo retouching for major editorial and beauty magazines.

He maintains a passion for photography, showcasing his work in galleries and winning best in show, people and fine arts category awards. Hugo was represented by advertising agencies in Hollywood, where his photography was published multiple times in national and international magazines. His photography work brought him to work closely with clothing companies in shooting and designing lookbooks for various clothing lines.

Hugo was born in Guatemala and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. In 2018 his team won first place in Stay Hacking 2018, a three-day hackathon advancing dreamers and immigrants in Silicon Valley hosted by Dreamers Roadmap and Netflix. Hugo brings passion to his work to help the community around him and the Greater Sacramento region.

Hugo enjoys spending time camping with his wife and shih-tzu havanese pup. He also enjoys drawing and painting large and abstract pieces as well as the occasional still life.

Brianna recently served as a Public Relations & Marketing Account Executive at Sterling Communications in Silicon Valley, where she combined digital marketing tactics with traditional PR strategies to create cohesive and compelling brand messages. She managed media relations, executed major campaigns, and produced engaging content for B2B clients, all while leveraging digital analytics to optimize results. Brianna also played a key role as a podcast producer, coordinating with guests, editing episodes, and pitching to top podcast shows.

Previously, Brianna was the Editor and Contributed Writer for Los Lagos STROLL Magazine, where she oversaw the editorial calendar, layout, and content of each issue, ensuring top-quality production and engaging storytelling. She has also served as a Field Representative for the California State Assembly, where she co-authored critical communications, organized community events, and responded to significant challenges such as the Huntington Beach oil spill.

Brianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Creative & Cultural Industries from Chapman University, where she earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and received the Founders Scholarship. She also holds a Mediation & Conflict Resolution Certification. Active in her community, Brianna is involved with the Public Relations Society of America California Capital Chapter, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, and various volunteer initiatives.

A native of Northern California, Brianna is passionate about uniting and enriching her local communities. In her free time, she enjoys hosting radio shows, spending time with her family, staying active, and exploring new creative outlets.

Hayden serves as the Senior Business Development Project Manager for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, supporting the business development team to spur positive economic growth in our region.

Prior to her role at GSEC, Hayden worked with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) in Kentucky, specializing in federal and state grant administration, project management, and strategic regional planning. Hayden developed and maintained the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and led the CEDS Committee for the KIPDA Economic Development District.

Hayden received a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Western Kentucky University, where she double-majored in Environmental Sciences and Arabic. After graduation, she worked as a sustainability intern for the UNICEF Middle East Children’s Institute (MECI) in Amman, Jordan. During her time with MECI, Hayden discovered her passion for community development and the importance of strategic community partnerships. Following this role, she became a lead volunteer for Mothers Out Front, gaining non-profit experience and helping to facilitate discussions with community members and their legislators to address environmental injustices.

In her free time Hayden loves to travel, adventure with family and friends, and be anywhere outdoors!

Nicholas serves as an Associate Project Manager in the Business Development wing of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Born and raised in Sacramento, he is thrilled to help his hometown grow and thrive.

Nicholas graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2023, majoring in Government with an emphasis on state and local public policy and minoring in Finance and Economics. During his senior year, Nicholas was one of three Arizona Junior Fellows at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While working at the Chamber, Nicholas had the opportunity to meet leaders from around the political and business landscape to discuss what it means and what it takes to become a leader as well as keeping Arizona’s business community informed through news articles published by the Chamber.

DaSean serves as the Business Development Coordinator for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. In this role, he supports the business development team with attraction, engagement, and investment into businesses in the region.

DaSean is from New Orleans, Louisiana and graduated from Tulane University where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Chinese. He served as Tulane’s Class of 2023 Commencement Speaker.

DaSean was one of six young professionals in the United States selected for the IEDC’s Equity in Economic Development Fellowship, working in strategic communications and business development at the St. Tammany Corporation and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. During his time in St. Tammany Parish, DaSean grew to love the field of economic development and its many intersections with equity work and community engagement. He is grateful to use his experience to support the Northern California region in this role.

In his free time, DaSean models, writes and produces music, and loves to spend time gardening.

Joseph Figueroa is the Manager of Research for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. In this role, Joseph supports the region’s domestic and international business attraction efforts and assists with the organization’s strategic efforts.

Prior to joining GSEC, Joseph was a Research Analyst at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, where he provided insight into national economic trends and provided analysis to businesses and local governments. Joseph also worked as a Senior Consultant at Cornerstone Advisors, where he developed strategies and designed new products for Community Banks and Credit Unions. Joseph was also an intern at the Brookings Institution Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, where he assisted in economic research and writing blog posts. He has an Economics degree from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

In his free time, Joseph can be found reading economic data releases, scouting local record stores to grow his collection, and perfecting his pizza dough recipe.

As a Research Analyst, Lucy specializes in labor analytics, real estate and site selection strategies and market and cluster analysis, specifically in food and agriculture, life science and mobility. She also leads GSEC’s Food & Agriculture Innovation Council, bringing regional leaders together to create strategies that will advance the region’s competitiveness in building a world-renowned food and agriculture technology hub.

Lucy took a major role in creating GSEC’s Amazon HQ2 proposal and the development efforts of Aggie Square and the California Mobility Center. She was the lead analyst in publishing the 2019 Greater Sacramento Talent Story in collaboration with CBRE and is currently leading the efforts in developing the region’s economic development action plan called the Prosperity Strategy.

In addition, Lucy is fluent in Chinese Mandarin and supports GSEC’s foreign direct investment activities in China. Lucy has experience hosting and communicating with Chinese executives and companies.

Prior to GSEC, Lucy worked at South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in Southern California and at Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD), where she was exposed to the environmental and clean energy industries.

Lucy graduated from UC Davis with a Master of Science in Agriculture and Resource Economics. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Managerial Economics with an emphasis in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from UC Davis. Her university research work has involved conducting a Californian wine grape virus economic analysis for The Wonderful Company and writing an honor’s thesis on evaluating parking demand and elasticity at UC Davis, which have given her great knowledge of economic theory and data modeling.

In her free time, Lucy loves to go out in nature, take photos and play her guitar.