The Site Selectors Guild has appointed Samantha Jefferson as its new Managing Director, effective November 17. Jefferson brings more than a decade of experience bridging the public, private, nonprofit, and industry sectors to advance economic growth and corporate investment. She succeeds Carrie Kelly, who led the Guild for two years through a period of significant growth and transformation.
“I am honored to assume the role of Managing Director at the Site Selectors Guild,” said Samantha Jefferson, managing director. “The Guild’s dedication to promoting corporate investment and community development aligns closely with my passion for building partnerships that foster lasting economic growth. I look forward to collaborating with our members and partners to drive innovation, deepen engagement, and broaden our global influence.”
Before joining the Site Selectors Guild, Jefferson served with the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), where she helped position Kansas City as a premier destination for corporate expansion and innovation. At KCADC, she played a central role in securing the largest office attraction project in the region’s history, launched new industry growth strategies, and led consultant engagement efforts that elevated Kansas City’s global reputation among corporate decision-makers. She has previously held leadership roles with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, City of Surprise AZ Economic Development, and The Weitz Company.
An active industry leader, Jefferson was actively engaged in the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network’s Phoenix-based chapter, AZCREW, for more than a decade. As AZCREW President in 2023, she guided the organization through a governance transition, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing member engagement.
“Samantha brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Guild at a pivotal moment in our organization’s evolution,” said Michelle Comerford, Site Selectors Guild board chair and Industrial & Supply Chain Practice leader at Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co. “Her proven leadership in economic development and her dedication to fostering meaningful connections will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the Guild’s influence worldwide.”
As Managing Director, Jefferson will lead the Guild’s daily operations, strengthen member and sponsor engagement, and advance the organization’s strategic growth and global reach.
About the Site Selectors Guild
The Site Selectors Guild is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants. Guild members provide location strategy to corporations across the globe and for every industry, sector, and function. Founded in 2010, the Site Selectors Guild is dedicated to advancing the profession of international corporate site selection by promoting integrity, objectivity, and professional development. Members are peer-nominated, vetted, and must demonstrate significant professional location advisory experience. In 2024, Guild members facilitated the committed or announced creation of approximately 111,000 jobs and $141 billion in capital investment by corporate clients, which required location analysis across 90 countries. Guild membership is the highest standard in the site selection industry. For more information, visit siteselectorsguild.com or follow Site Selectors Guild on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Rachel Barvi, DCI
[email protected]
720-609-1379