Phoenix Community Alliance Honors 2025 Center City Champion & Newcomer Award Recipients
Every year since 1993, Downtown Phoenix’s premier business leadership and advocacy organization, Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA), recognizes local visionaries who have meaningfully contributed to the evolution of Greater Downtown Phoenix. During PCA’s Annual Member Meeting, the organization presents its esteemed Center City Awards, spotlighting both longstanding champions and emerging leaders shaping Greater Downtown Phoenix.
This year, PCA is proud to honor Christine Mackay, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and former City of Phoenix Community & Economic Development Director, as the 2025 Center City Champion, and Tricee Thomas, Founder & Creative Director of House of Patterns and Founder of The Garment League fashion conference, as the 2025 Center City Newcomer.
The awards were presented during PCA’s Annual Member Meeting + Center City Awards, held on Thursday, December 11, at Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix.
2025 Center City Champion Award: Christine Mackay
A respected economic development leader with nearly three decades of experience, Mackay began her role as GPEC President & CEO in October 2025 after serving 11 years as the City of Phoenix’s Community and Economic Development Director. Her contributions have helped shape the city’s economic growth, job creation, major capital investments, and collaborative regional partnerships.
“Seeing all our hard work come to fruition has been the achievement of a lifetime, and the acknowledgement from Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Inc. is an honor,” said Mackay.
Her commitment to PCA reflects her broader belief in community-driven progress. “When developing a community, it is vital to work with a group of people dedicated to making a difference for the betterment of all. Our collaboration to affect change and revitalize the core of the city has tangible benefits everyone can see every time they drive the roads, eat at a local restaurant, or shop at a business in the area.”
Mackay’s local accomplishments span mixed-use redevelopment, historic preservation, and significant advancements in Downtown residential growth. Looking to the future, she envisions Downtown evolving into a growing hub for tech and office tenants, supported by expanded retail, restaurants, and new residents. “Downtown will continue flourishing as more people and businesses move in,” she said.
2025 Center City Newcomer Award: Tricee Thomas
A creative leader deeply rooted in education, production, and cultural programming, Thomas has shaped Phoenix’s growing fashion ecosystem through House of Patterns and The Garment League. Her work emphasizes accessible pathways for youth, emerging designers, and creative entrepreneurs.
“Receiving the Center City Newcomer Award is incredibly meaningful. Downtown Phoenix is where our work began, and we are proud to continue building and contributing here with intention,” said Thomas.
Thomas notes that her proudest accomplishments reflect collaboration and community impact. “Creating access, visibility, and real pathways into the fashion industry has always been at the heart of our work and seeing that impact reflected across Downtown has been incredibly rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Thomas is focused on expanding House of Patterns as a year-round creative hub and launching The Garment League as a national annual fashion conference hosted in Downtown Phoenix. “Both represent our continued commitment to creativity, access, and community,” she said.
About the Center City Awards
Established by PCA in 1993, the Center City Awards honor individuals whose impactful leadership and collaboration drive the growth, revitalization, and lasting vitality of Greater Downtown Phoenix. The Center City Newcomer Award recognizes emerging leaders shaping Downtown’s future, while the Center City Champion Award honors those with long-term dedication to advancing its quality of life and urban renaissance.
Together, the 2025 award recipients reflect the strength of PCA’s more than 300 members across diverse sectors who activate, advocate for, and build a stronger Downtown for a better Phoenix.
PCA’s Annual Member Meeting and Center City Awards is proudly supported by Phillips Law Foundation.
Learn more about the 2025 Center City Award Recipients:
2025 Center City Champion Award Recipient: Christine Mackay
With nearly three decades of economic development experience, Christine Mackay began her service with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) as President & CEO in October 2025 following 11 years as the City of Phoenix’s Community and Economic Development Director. During her tenure with Phoenix, the department facilitated over 100,000 high-value jobs, increased average wages significantly, and oversaw more than $75 billion in capital investment. Her leadership spans business attraction, community development, international relations, workforce development, research, and marketing.
Mackay has received numerous accolades, including USA TODAY’s Women of the Year (2024), multiple Economic Developer of the Year honors from AAED, and recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Arizona. She is active on several regional and national committees and has dedicated both her personal and professional life to the growth of Greater Phoenix.
2025 Center City Newcomer Award Recipient: Tricee Thomas
Tricee Thomas is the Founder and Creative Director of House of Patterns, a Phoenix-based fashion house and creative ecosystem focused on education, production, and cultural programming. She is also the Founder of The Garment League, now evolving into a national annual fashion conference convening designers, creatives, and industry leaders in Downtown Phoenix. Her work builds accessible pathways into the fashion industry while elevating Phoenix’s creative economy.