Lori joined the City of Glendale in 2017 as the special projects and communications manager for Mayor Jerry Weiers. After nearly two years, she joined the Economic Development team as the Communications Program Manager and now serves as Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Development. 

As Deputy Director, Lori takes an active leadership role in the department’s Economic Development activities, leading the business assistance, attraction, retention and expansion team members. She also oversees the Tourism division, leading the evolving strategy to promote Glendale as an experiential destination for business and leisure travelers. Lori will use her expertise and background in marketing and communications to lead the department’s creative professionals that support the entire Economic Development Department.

A native from Puerto Rico, she moved to Arizona to pursue her professional dreams. Lori has focused her professional career on purpose-driven work. Prior to joining the City of Glendale, she spent eight years traveling the world for national and international business projects with the Miss Universe Organization, Grammy's, and Oscars.  Throughout her career she has worked with national non-profits looking to make a difference in people's lives. She served three years as Director at the American Heart Association and five as Regional Director at Money Management International.  Her native language is Spanish. Lori graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Mass Communication and is currently pursuing a Masters in Legal Studies at the University of Arizona. What she enjoys the most about Economic Development is being able to directly impact the community she is serving and through her role, being able to in some way engage with every project and opportunity that will benefit residents and visitors.

[email protected]
623-930-2986

Samuel joined the Economic Development team in 2021 and has been with City of Glendale for nearly five years. Prior to joining the Economic Development team he served as a Council Assistant with the City Manager’s Office and as Administrator of Department Support Services in the Field Operations Department. Samuel brings over 15 years of local public service experience from the State and County.

As our Business Support Program Manager, Samuel focuses on workforce development, proactively seeking engagement and outreach opportunities to connect businesses with resources, complex internal reporting, and high-level internal administrative support to the Economic Development team.

He brings vast regional expertise to the team as he is a proud west valley and Glendale native attending local elementary, middle, and high schools here in Glendale. He earned an associates degree in Administration of Justice from Phoenix College and holds his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University. He is a big advocate for volunteerism as he previously served with the Special Olympics of Arizona, Big Brothers/Big Sister program, and currently serves as the President of the Glendale Hispanic Network.

She brings over a decade of experience in the areas that support the team's economic development efforts. Her knowledge in the financial sector provides her the skills necessary to navigate the budget and other key operational functions.  

She is passionate about baking and cooking and moved across country to Arizona to be closer to family.