The Team

Director, Economic Development

The city of Glendale is pleased to announce the selection of Dan Henderson as Economic Development Director. Henderson has served for the past 19 years in that same role for the town of Gilbert. He brings a strong record of translating economic development strategy into tangible community results. 

In this role, Henderson will be pivotal in shaping the vitality and long-term growth of Glendale. He is tasked with ensuring that the city remains a competitive and attractive destination. This includes reinvigorating the historic downtown, which will celebrate a $90 million city hall and downtown campus renovation this summer. Additionally, he will oversee the arts and culture initiatives and Experience Glendale tourism divisions of the city. 

His work in Gilbert, which is now a model for other communities pursuing similar goals, attracted more than $4 billion in new investments and activated 20-million square feet of development. 

Henderson is a Certified Economic Developer and holds a bachelor's degree in management and finance and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. He has served as guest lecturer for the Master of Real Estate Development program at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. 

DCHenderson@GLENDALEAZ.com

 (623) 930-2976

Deputy Director - Economic Development, Tourism, Communications

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.

lgerman@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2986

Business Attraction

Jose joined the Economic Development team in March 2024 bringing over 17 years of public and private sector experience to the team. Jose's professional experience spans multiple industries including financial services, hospitality, education, training, organizational development, municipal government, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.

Most recently, Jose served as a Neighborhood Services Administrator for the City of Las Vegas implementing asset-based community development strategies and revitalization programming to specific focus areas within the city. Jose holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Jose is passionate about efforts that will create economic opportunities within Glendale to enhance the quality of life of its residents and sustain the city's vibrancy.

jcontreras1@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2937

Business Retention & Expansion

KC is currently serving as the Business Retention & Expansion Program Manager for the city of Glendale. KC joined the city in September 2023 as an Operations Specialist, where he oversees the daily functions related to Economic Development, Arts & Culture, Special Events, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this position, KC provides assistance to the Economic Development department, engaging in a wide range of operational and analytical duties. His responsibilities include conducting special projects, performing research studies, analyzing budgets, managing procurement processes, and handling contract administration.

Prior to his current role, KC gained valuable experience working with the Arizona Coyotes, Grand Canyon University, and Scottsdale Unified School District. A proud graduate of Grand Canyon University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Master's degree in Business Administration.

kshuck@glendaleaz.com
623-930-2991

Communications Program Manager

The City of Glendale is excited to welcome Lauren Serrato as the Communications Program Manager for the Office of Economic Development. Born and raised in Arizona, Serrato is passionate about her community and is excited to represent the city her family calls home.

With extensive experience in communications, journalism, public relations, and media relations, Serrato will be a key asset to the Office of Economic Development's ongoing efforts to promote Glendale as a top destination for tourism and hospitality.

Serrato has a bachelor's degree in English and Journalism from Wagner College in New York and a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University.

lserrato@glendaleaz.com
623-930-4502

Economic Development Program Manager

Cutter Chamberlain is an Arizona native who has lived and worked in the communities of Yuma and Prescott Valley. He is passionate about city management and economic development.

He has experience working with non-profits, local, state, national and international government organizations, along with small to large businesses. As part of the economic development team, Cutter will utilize his marketing experience to focus on Downtown redevelopment.

He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Canyon University and an AZED Pro certification through the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

cchamberlain@glendaleaz.com
623-930-4304

Small Business Specialist

Samantha joined the Economic Development team in January 2022. She has worked in Glendale for nearly five years. Prior to joining the Economic Development team, Samantha worked in the Planning Department.

She boasts additional municipal experience in planning, zoning and code in upstate New York where she was born and raised.

Board of adjustments, planners and historic preservation commission.

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.

SCope@glendaleaz.com
623-930-3231