Karen Calivas is the Program Manager for the Economic Development Services team. Her primary focus is the growth of Peoria’s business community. These efforts include developing and enhancing relationships with employers, gathering business intelligence through business visits, assisting with business expansion and site selection, and providing customized programs and services to ensure businesses succeed.

Karen also serves as Business Concierge, the first point of contact for businesses at the City of Peoria. Her role includes small business and entrepreneurial development, navigation of city departments, workforce recruitment and training, and identifcation of programs, resources, and opportunities to assist businesses.

Prior to joining the City of Peoria, Karen spent 20 years in higher education administration. Karen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dowling College, is certified as a Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator by Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), holds Entrepreneurship Center Management Certification from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), and designated an AZED Pro from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED).

Contact Information:

Karen Calivas
Program Manager
623-773-7592
karen.calivas@peoriaaz.gov
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn