Greater Phoenix A to Z
Telling the story of Greater Phoenix differently, the Greater Phoenix A to Z podcast brings local innovators, community leaders and interesting people to the mic to highlight the area and topics important to the region. The Greater Phoenix A to Z podcast is presented by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, its 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties and more than 200 private investors.
Greater Phoenix A to Z
Arizona Through Their Eyes: Behind the Fiesta Bowl with Brad Smidt
Join GPEC’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Logan Newman for a deep dive into one of Greater Phoenix’s most celebrated traditions, the Fiesta Bowl. In this episode, Logan sits down with Brad Smidt CEcD, GPEC’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and longtime member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee, to explore how this iconic event blends world class hospitality, economic impact and community pride.
Listen as Brad shares the Bowl’s storied history, from its roots in showcasing West Coast teams to hosting national championships, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that makes it one of the nation’s premier sporting events. You will hear about the meticulous planning, memorable moments with players and coaches, and how the Fiesta Bowl’s charitable initiatives like Wishes for Teachers are making a lasting difference across Greater Phoenix. More than just a game, it is a celebration of sports, community and the unique spirit of the region.
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About Brad Smidt, CEcD — Brad has been a member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee since 2015, supporting game-day operations, team hospitality and community programming for one of Greater Phoenix’s most iconic events. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development at GPEC, where he leads efforts to attract large industrial, office and data center projects to the region.
A native Arizonan with nearly 30 years of experience in economic development, Brad has helped more than 250 companies relocate or expand in Greater Phoenix. He was awarded the prestigious William Lampkin Award for Long-Term Excellence in Economic Development by the Arizona Association for Economic Development in 2025 and serves on the University of Arizona Eller MBA Industry Advisory Board.
Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradsmidt
About your host, Logan Newman — Logan has been with GPEC since 2020, leading media engagement, digital content strategy and website development. He’s contributed to award-winning initiatives like the #AZFreeToBe campaign, while also expanding the organization’s media reach across Arizona and the Asia-Pacific region.
Prior to joining GPEC, he worked for USA Today Sports Media Group, KTAR News and ArizonaSports.com, and interned at the Arizona Republic and Jerusalem Post. An Arizona native, he graduated from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2017 with a degree in journalism.
Connect with Logan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-newman-584022b5/
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