Metropolitan Pima Alliance

Michael Guymon

Executive Director

Michael became MPA’s Executive Director in September 2008 after serving as the organization’s first Governmental Relations Director, originally hired in March of the same year.  Michael’s main goal is to work with the Board of Directors, the membership and Amber to strengthen the ties between growth-related industries and the jurisdictions in metropolitan Pima County, particularly as it relates to creating a regional vision.  He has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a former Chief-of-Staff to Council Member Fred Ronstadt and political consultant to a number of projects, including the Tucson Marketplace at Kino and I-10 and the proposed Downtown Sheraton Hotel.  Michael’s current community involvement and volunteer activities include serving as Chair of the Tucson/Pima County Metropolitan Energy Commission, Treasurer of the Museum of Contemporary Art and President/Co-founder of the Arizona Biodiesel Board.

Amber Smith

Governmental Relations Director

Amber joined MPA in January of 2009. As Governmental Relations Director, her goal is to stay educated and involved in local and regional policy issues affecting MPA’s members. Amber works with Michael to formulate policy positions and to engage the membership in the fulfillment of MPA’s mission.

Amber has extensive experience with the political side of land entitlement issues due to her former position as a Governmental Relations Associate for Racy Associates - a Tucson-based lobbying firm specializing in land development and planning.  Amber worked on many large development projects including the Villages of Tortolita, Rancho Sahuarita, and Sanders Grove.   During her former position, she established relationships with all the local jurisdictions in Pima County including many of the elected officials and members of staff.  Amber’s community involvement includes Marana Chamber Board Member and Town of Marana Business and Economic Development Commissioner.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona and is wife to a Tucson Firefighter.