John Grabo

Director of Business Development, University of Arizona Office University Research Parks

John D. Grabo, CEcD Director of Marketing and International Programs for the University Of Arizona Office Of Economic Development (UA-OED), is responsible for the development and execution of international economic development strategies. Grabo developed and launched the Global Advantage initiative that has created international economic alliances for Tucson with Ottawa Canada, Berlin Germany and Manchester England. The program coordinates and manages international economic development outreach, industry linkages, R&D collaborations, global marketing and strategic initiatives for the University Office of Economic Development with active engagement from more than 20 regional organizations. Additional partnerships in Asia, Israel, Mexico and South America are being developed. Additionally, Grabo coordinates strategic marketing and branding plan for the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UASTP) and the Arizona Biosciences Park both domestically and internationally. Responsibilities for the research parks include business development and active interface with other regional, state and economic development partners. Prior to joining the University, Grabo served a senior executive for the Greater Tucson’s regional economic development authority joining the organization in 1994. He was responsible for coordination of external marketing and communications for the organization. Grabo oversaw strategy development for business attraction in several technology sectors. He also managed legislative affairs, international and domestic market development, corporate and community relations as well as private and public fund development. Mr. Grabo is a graduate of the University of Arizona. Grabo serves on the Board of Directors for CoreNet Global Network’s Desert Mountain Chapter and is an Advisory Board member of the Canada-Arizona Business Council. Grabo serves on the board of the British American Business Council and the District Export Council. He is also a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves in its International Committee and the Arizona Association for Economic Development. As a Certified Economic Developer, he is a regular speaker on regional and international economic development topics, marketing and next generation economic development strategies. John is a native of Chicago, Illinois and has lived in Tucson since 1980. John and his wife Kirsten have one child, Brayden.