Kimber is Founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant and thriving local economies. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader and community development specialist who works to cultivate strong self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Lanning’s passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering economic resilience, increasing access to capital, and rebuilding food, energy and financial systems so they create opportunity for all.

Lanning has grown Local First Arizona into a widely respected organization that is leading the nation in implementing systems and policies to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurial endeavors of all sizes. With over 3,000 business members and four statewide offices, Lanning leads a team of 68 staff who work on a diverse array of programs ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in under resourced communities, and rural community development, each of which plays a part in building sustainable and resilient local economies.

Lanning is consistently recognized and has received numerous awards for her diverse work and extensive leadership. In 2014, Lanning was recognized as the Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council, a pivotal moment in recognizing the use of Localist policies as a force for economic development. Her work in promoting adaptive reuse in Phoenix’s urban core was recognized by the American Planning Association, which presented Lanning with the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award in 2013. Lanning has also been named one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Arizona” (Arizona Business Magazine), was the recipient of the Athena Award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in 2013, and was the 2014 Leader of the Year in Public Policy (Arizona Capitol Times).

Emily is committed to driving innovations that ensure everyone can be healthy and thrive. A social entrepreneur, speaker, and published author with more than 20 years of experience in the social sector, Emily is changing how change is made to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.

Emily helps Newman’s Own Foundation realize its mission of nourishing and transforming the lives of children who face adversity as its Chief Partnerships and Program Officer. In this role, Emily forges innovative initiatives ranging from grant cycles and strategic planning to dynamic collaborations with cross-sector partners. Prior to this current role, Emily served as editor of the book, Community Engagement: Strategic Skills for Public Health Practice published by APHA Press; founded AI PRIORI®, a no code software that centers community voices in AI generated responses; and led The BUILD Health Challenge®, a funding collaborative that supported more than 55 communities across the US working to advance health equity.

Honors include being chosen as a Halcyon Fellow, Center for Community Investment Field Catalyst Fellow, and a Terrance Keenan Institute Fellow. Emily also serves as an Advisory Council Member for both the Beeck Center for Social Innovation at Georgetown University and APHA’s Publication Board. Previously, she served as a Board member of Grantmakers in Health and Co-chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Washington, DC, steering committee. She earned her MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and her BS from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.