Ron Frierson

Biography: Ron Frierson serves as Director of Economic Development of the U.S. West Region at Amazon. In his role, Ron leads the team that supports and champions Amazon investment projects across various Amazon business lines in areas of market-entry, strategy, site selection, entitlements, operations, and partnerships in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Hawaii. Before joining Amazon, Ron served as Director of Economic Policy for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Ron led the Business Team for the Mayor’s Office, which developed business policy affecting the world’s 3rd largest metropolitan economy. Ron’s portfolio included Commercial Real Estate Development, Technology, Sports & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Taxation, Healthcare, and Tourism & Hospitality. He also oversaw the Convention & Tourism Department, Department of Cannabis Regulation and the Economic Workforce & Development Department on behalf of the Mayor’s Office. Ron’s career spans over 20 years of service in the private and public sectors, consisting of domestic and international corporate site selection, management consulting, real estate brokerage, labor analytics, supply chain analysis, discretionary business incentive negotiation & procurement, media, economic development, and international professional athletics. Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Ron was Director of National Incentives for NAI Capital- Tenant Consulting Group in Los Angeles. Prior to that, he served as Vice President at CBRE in Phoenix, AZ. Ron serves on several boards including the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, LA Regional Food Bank, Global LA, the International Economic Development Council, and the Emporia State University Board of Trustees.