Governor Jan Brewer Announces New Directors of Commerce and Housing

Press Release

Governor Jan Brewer Announces New Directors of Commerce and Housing

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Donald E. Cardon as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce and Michael Trailor as Director of the Arizona Department of Housing. Mr. Cardon, who has been serving as Director of Housing since March of this year, will transition over to lead the
Commerce Department, and Mr. Trailor will replace him as the new Director of Housing.

"Private sector job growth is the most important factor to Arizona's economic recovery," said Governor Brewer. "I am excited to apply the outstanding experience and skills of Mr. Cardon to my Department of Commerce and the critically important task of preserving and winning the best private sector employers for our State."

Prior to his time with the State of Arizona, Mr. Cardon served as President and CEO of Cardon Development Group, LLC, creating low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) projects throughout the State. His company was responsible for creating affordable housing communities in Phoenix, Gilbert, Eloy and Winslow.

In addition, he helped envision and initiate the formation of Phoenix Future, which assembled the key business leaders, political leaders and financial institutions necessary to create CityScape, a mixed-use development in downtown Phoenix. He also has several years of experience in the public sector of the housing industry. Mr. Cardon has worked as Deputy Housing Director at the City of Phoenix, where he was responsible for overseeing eight housing programs and all housing development activities within the City of Phoenix. He began his career in Longview, Washington, where he served as Executive Director for the Longview Housing Authority, and then as Community and Economic Development Director at the City of Longview.

In these capacities he gained knowledge in financial planning, zoning activities, marketing and partnership development.

"I am encouraged with the vision of the Governor in appointing Don as the new Director of Commerce," stated Arizona business leader, Jerry Colangelo. "Our state is definitely at a crossroads and our ability and determination to truly compete will not only take a collective resolve, but also an entrepreneurial approach Don has certainly demonstrated. I stand prepared to help Don and Governor Brewer advance an aggressive economic development agenda and a more focused commerce agency."

Mr. Cardon received his Masters of Public Administration from Lewis and Clark College and performed his undergraduate studies at Point Loma College in San Diego, CA. He is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and a board member of Helping Hands Housing Services.

"I am also very confident in the tremendous abilities of Mr. Trailor," Governor Brewer stated. "Mr. Trailor has significant experience in the housing industry, and his proven talents in homebuilding management and land development and acquisition will be a positive addition to the Department."

Prior to his appointment as Director of Housing, Mr. Trailor spent the past four years as Principal and Urban Development Specialist with Vanguard Cityhome of Scottsdale. In that role, he established an urban development corporation and purchased and entitled multiple residential and retail development projects.

Prior to that, he owned and managed MDT Holdings where he managed land investment applying market knowledge to manage funds, negotiate land deals and facilitate entitlements. He also spent time at Centex Homes as the Arizona Division President managing operations, personnel and product development and design. In addition, he owned and managed Gold Key Development Company, where he initiated the start-up of the homebuilding and land development company. Throughout his career he has served in numerous capacities at various professional organizations, including as President of the Central Arizona Homebuilders Association, as a member of the Governor's Growing Smarter Oversight Committee, and currently as a
member of the Better Business Bureau.

Mr. Trailor attended the Construction Management program at Arizona State University. He also is an Arizona licensed Real Estate Broker and an Arizona licensed General Contractor.

Source