Ginger Sykes Torres
VICE PRESIDENT OF RESILIENCY PROGRAMS
602-956-0909 ext. 89
ginger@localfirstaz.com
Ginger Sykes Torres is the Vice President of Resiliency Programs for Local First Arizona, North America's largest coalition of local businesses. In this role, she leads the organization’s food systems and sustainability initiatives, working closely with tribal nations and rural communities to foster resilience and promote the growth of sustainable, local economies. Through her leadership, Ginger plays a pivotal role in strengthening community-driven efforts that enhance long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability across Arizona.
A graduate of Stanford University’s Earth Systems Program, Ginger has dedicated her career to fostering a more equitable, resilient and sustainable planet for future generations. She brings expertise in environmental policy, land use planning, impact analysis, renewable energy siting and climate resilience planning gained through work with federal agencies, utilities and developers.
Before joining Local First, Ginger served as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Arizona, overseeing disaster assistance, price support, conservation and lending programs for farmers and ranchers. She championed the adoption of sustainable practices to help agricultural producers build operational resilience and expanded access to federal resources for underserved, beginning, small-scale and innovative producers across the state. Additionally, she spearheaded the creation of the USDA Urban Agriculture Service Center in Phoenix, advancing the agency’s commitment to integrating urban farming initiatives into the broader agricultural landscape.
Ginger believes in the power of individuals to make a difference. She serves on several boards that include the Heard Museum, The Nature Conservancy, Valley Leadership, Earth Gives, and the City of Phoenix Environmental Quality and Sustainability Commission. Ginger also served on the City of Phoenix 2023 General Obligation Bond Executive Committee and chaired the city’s Urban Heat Island Tree and Shade Subcommittee, which significantly advanced city investments in energy efficiency, resiliency and heat preparedness.
A proud citizen of the Navajo Nation, Ginger is a passionate advocate for issues impacting tribal communities in Arizona. She is also a former champion Native American hoop dancer – making history as the first female to win a title at the Heard Museum’s World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Ginger founded a program in partnership with Ballet Arizona to offer free hoop dance lessons for urban Native American youth and played a key role in establishing the Ballet Arizona Tribal Nations Advisory Council.