Albuquerque, NM — The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) has announced that Danielle Casey, President & CEO, will depart the organization on August 1, 2025, after nearly five years of exceptional leadership. Casey has accepted the position of President & CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance in Southern Nevada, beginning August 25, 2025.
“Serving AREA has been the greatest professional privilege of my career,” said Casey. “Together, we have built a stronger, more strategic, and more impactful organization poised to support the long-term economic vitality of the greater Albuquerque region. I’m deeply grateful to our Board, investors, staff, and community leaders for their unwavering support and partnership.”
Since joining AREA in 2020, Casey has overseen a period of significant transformation and growth. Under her leadership, the organization:
• Developed and executed a bold, future-focused strategic plan – AREA 1.o;
• Modernized the AREA bylaws and governance structure, enabling public sector leaders to serve on the AREA Board;
• Transitioned AREA from a 501c6 to a 501c3 public charity to strengthen its mission and operations;
• Rebranded from its former name to AREA, aligning its identity more closely with its mission;
• Built a sustainable funding model and significantly expanded public-private partnerships;
• Grew AREA’s research and education capabilities, resulting in impactful state-level legislation to improve New Mexico’s business climate such as the creation of a site readiness program; and
• Supported numerous business attraction and expansion wins for the region.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, AREA’s Board of Directors has designated Chad Matheson, the organization’s Senior Vice President, to serve as Interim President & CEO following Danielle’s departure until the role is permanently filled following a national search to be conducted by the AREA Board of Directors. Matheson has served in a senior leadership role at AREA for three and a half years and has been a key architect of the organization’s recent successes.
“Chad has been an essential partner in driving AREA’s progress and is exceptionally qualified to lead during this transition,” said Casey. “His strategic thinking, steady leadership, and deep understanding of our mission make him the ideal leader for this next chapter.” AREA’s Board of Directors will initiate a national search for Casey’s permanent successor while continuing to advance the organization’s strategic priorities under Matheson’s interim leadership.
“Danielle’s impact on our organization and the region’s economic development landscape has been profound,” said Don Tarry, Chair of the AREA Board of Directors. “We are grateful for her service, proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and wish her continued success in Las Vegas. We’re equally confident in Chad’s ability to ensure we do not skip a beat during this transition.” Casey will remain fully at the helm through the end of July and available in an advisory capacity through mid-August to support the transition and ensure continuity.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead and execute strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org.