Great Western’s Adams joins MEDA board

Mike Adams, group president of Great Western Bank, has joined the board of directors of Maricopa Economic Development Alliance.

Adams is a 38-year banking professional managing offices in Maricopa, Casa Grande, Tucson, Eloy, Coolidge and Globe. He manages commercial bankers focusing on commercial, industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, real estate construction (owner-occupied, investment and subdivision) lending and deposit activities throughout the state.

MEDA is the City of Maricopa’s private-public partnership for economic development. As a 501(c)3 corporation, the organization champions strategies and solutions that foster economic growth and prosperity in Maricopa by bringing together the business, government, education and civic sectors to identify and advance policies that facilitate investment, growth and workforce development.

A Tucson resident, Adams is a native of California and a graduate of University of Oregon.

Great Western Bank has been in Pinal County since 1999 when the bank’s predecessor, Casa Grande Valley, opened the first bank in Maricopa. The bank has operated under the Great Western name since 2007.

“Our business philosophy has always been to support the communities where we do business,” Adams said. “Our local bankers are committed to the City of Maricopa and the ongoing successes of its businesses and residents. I’m happy to join other business leaders on the MEDA board as we continue to advance the City’s economic development initiatives.”

MEDA’s board is comprised of the leading executives of Maricopa’s major business sectors, representing expertise and experience in utilities, finance, development, health care and infrastructure development. Equally important are the elected officials and public sector executives who bring the essential representation of the City of Maricopa’s City Council, City Management and Economic Development functions.

“Great Western Bank was the first commercial bank to open a branch in Maricopa and has a long and distinguished history in our city,” Mayor Christian Price said. “Mike and his team have been an active part of Maricopa’s growth, and we’re glad to have his expertise on the board of directors.”

The Maricopa-MEDA partnership is an important component of the city’s economic vitality and sustainability. Through the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance, the City of Maricopa and business and education leaders join forces to identify and support promising economic development opportunities for the City of Maricopa.

“The private sector plays an important role in fulfilling MEDA’s mission to seek out opportunities that benefit our community,” said John Schurz, MEDA’s board chair. “As a banker who is committed to helping businesses grow and prosper, Mike brings vitally important commercial finance prowess to the MEDA board and we are delighted he is joining us.”