About
Our Mission
Tucson IDA enables strategic economic and community development by providing financing and access to capital for projects and programs that benefit a thriving Tucson.
Our Team
Dre Thompson
CEO
Mark McKenna
Director of Lending
Diana Weisbrod
Business Loan Officer
Nicole Johnson
Business Development & Affordable Housing Program Manager
Collaborators
Francisca Villegas
City of Tucson
Gisselle Coronado
City of Tucson
Narda Flores
City of Tucson
Additional Advisors
CHRISTOPHER AMBROSIO
General Counsel
Christopher Ambrosio's practice is focused in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, and Real Estate Law. Christopher is admitted to practice law in Arizona.
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Contact:
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Board of Directors
Tucson IDA’s Board of Directors is comprised of private, volunteer citizens appointed by the Mayor and Council of the City of Tucson, Arizona (the “City”). The Board of Directors meet monthly or as otherwise necessary. Directors serve a 6-year term.
Board members are selected based on their professional expertise and contributions to the greater Tucson region. The members of the IDA’s current Board of Directors are:
MEREDITH ARONSON
Vice-President, 2021 - 2027
Meredith Aronson has over 30 years of experience across higher education, small business, corporate, and government focused on organizations, technology, and innovation. She has founded/led 2 small businesses (manufacturing and consulting), led regional economic development efforts at Penn State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology, and most recently, is leading IT product strategy for the digital experience at the University of Arizona. She is passionate about regional economic development and creating economic opportunity through growing talent, innovation, and quality places.
MONIQUA LANE
2021 - 2027
A native Tucsonan, it is Moniqua Lane’s deep connection to and reverence for Tucson’s history, culture and unique geography that informs the operational and aesthetic style of Motown Development, with a focus on innovative, small scale hospitality and multi-family development strives to create meaning through place. Of MoTown’s two principals, Moniqua brings experience developing, branding, marketing, and operating independent, boutique properties, both existing and ground up. MoTown’s first project, The Downtown Clifton Hotel.
MIMI NOSHAY-PETRO
Secretary, 2019 - 2025
Melissa Petro, or “Mimi” as she is commonly known, practices in the areas of business transactions, real estate, and estate planning and probate. Ms. Petro represents individuals and organizations in connection with the formation, operation, and sale of their businesses to include leasing, employment, financing, and general business matters.
PATRICIA SCHWABE
2021 - 2027
Patricia Schwabe has over 20 years of experience in real estate and as a small business owner in Tucson. Her businesses include Penca Restaurant and Owls Club. She and her husband, Ron, are partners in Peach Properties, a local development, sales and leasing real estate company focusing on Tucson’s downtown and warehouse districts. She is a trustee of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and a former board member of The Loft Cinema.
TIM KINNEY
2024-2030
Mr. Kinney is experienced in a wide range of complicated legal issues. Based in Tucson and with clients throughout Arizona, Tim specializes in compliance with local and state land use regulations and has significant experience with complicated entitlement issues, real estate transactions, and negotiating public/private partnership agreements. He has represented many clients on land use, zoning, real estate, and administrative law matters throughout Arizona.
CHRIS SQUIRES
2024-2030
Chris Squires brings over a decade of leadership experience in operations, strategic planning, and business development. As Chief Operations Officer at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, he oversees all aspects of company performance. Previously, Chris served as Managing Partner at Ten 55 Brewing Company.
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Chris has extensive board experience, having served with organizations such as the Downtown Tucson Partnership, Visit Tucson, the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild (as Treasurer), and the Tucson Waldorf School (as Development Chair). His expertise includes financial management, contract negotiation, and fostering sustainable growth for businesses and nonprofits alike.