PHOENIX – SunCor Development Company President and CEO Steve Betts announced his retirement today, after leading the Tempe-based Pinnacle West Capital Corp. subsidiary for more than five years.

"Steve's leadership at SunCor was key to the growth of the company, which developed a number of premier properties in Arizona and the West," said Don Brandt, Chairman of the Board of SunCor. "Steve has been not only a great asset to SunCor but also a trusted friend and advisor to me on public policy matters. He will be missed, and we all wish him well in his future endeavors."

During Betts' tenure at SunCor, he was named Developer of the Year by the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Park Developers as well as a Most Admired CEO by the Phoenix Business Journal, and his company was awarded Developer of the Year by Southwest Contractor Magazine.

"It has been a privilege to work with my colleagues at SunCor and to have been at the helm during a period of unprecedented productivity," Betts said. "It has also been meaningful to me, personally and professionally, to have remained long enough to participate in the full life cycle of the company. I have learned from, and enjoyed, every minute of it."

SunCor’s projects range from master-planned communities across the western United States, to industrial, office and retail projects in metropolitan Phoenix. SunCor's signature project is the urban mixed-use Hayden Ferry Lakeside, on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake, which has often been cited for its leading design.

Prior to his work at SunCor, Betts was a prominent land use and governmental affairs attorney, and one of the architects of landmark Arizona legislation such as Growing Smarter, the Arizona Preserve Initiative and the act that enabled the construction of the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Betts has roles in several organizations and initiatives, including as chair of the Urban Land Institute-Az, co-president of Interstate 11 Coalition and on the boards of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Teach for America. "I look forward to having the time to re-engage in policy development," Betts said. "I very much believe in the idea of 'paying it forward,' and so I am creating this opportunity for myself so I can do that."

Contacts

Media:
Jim McDonald, (602) 321-3738
Alan Bunnell, (602) 250-3376