Kimber Lanning
phone: 602-956-0909 ext. 5
email: kimber@localfirstaz.com
Kimber Lanning is the founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, a nonprofit organization committed to building equitable systems for Arizona’s local businesses and communities that create a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Arizona economy. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader, and community development specialist who works to cultivate strong, self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Lanning’s passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering cultural diversity and inclusion, economic resilience, and responsible growth for Arizona.
Lanning has grown Local First Arizona into a widely respected organization that is leading the nation in implementing systems and policies to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurial endeavors of all sizes. With nearly 3,500 business members and three statewide offices, Lanning leads a team of 40 who work on a diverse array of programs ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in underserved communities, and rural community development, each of which plays a part in building sustainable and resilient local economies.
“I’m the kind of person when I see something that is unjust, I am motivated and inspired to change it. This is my home, this is my state, and I want to leave it better than I found it. So I’ve dedicated my life to building a better Arizona.”
— KIMBER LANNING, FOUNDER & CEO OF LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA
Kimber was named Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council in 2014.
Lanning is consistently recognized and has received numerous awards for her diverse work and extensive leadership. In 2014, Lanning was recognized as the Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council, a pivotal moment in recognizing the use of Localist policies as a force for economic development. Her work in promoting adaptive reuse in Phoenix’s urban core was recognized by the American Planning Association, which presented Lanning with the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award in 2013. Lanning has also been named one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Arizona” (Arizona Business Magazine, 2011), was the recipient of the Athena Award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in 2013, and was the 2014 Leader of the Year in Public Policy (Arizona Capitol Times). Most recently, she was named Woman of the Year by Valley Leadership in 2021.