David DiPeso
President
David is a lifelong resident of Benson, Cochise County, AZ. After graduating from Benson High School, he received his AA degree from Cochise College and completed his BS degree from the University of Arizona. David completed studies at the Hogan School of Real Estate and obtained his real estate sales, broker and appraisal license.
David’s business experience as a loan officer and appraiser for Farmers Home Administration, owning and operating the Red Bird Ranch in Cochise County (for 12 years) and since 2000 owning and operating DiPeso Real Estate and Appraisal allows David to offer varied business perspectives for numerous civic organizations.
David has actively participated in the following organizations: Past Member of Benson Planning & Zoning commission, Benson City Council, Mayor of Benson, AZ. President of MLS of Cochise County, President of Benson San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Benson Task Force leader and Vice President of the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group. Board Member of the Cochise College Governing Board, Member of Cochise College Foundation Board.
Cindy Batten
Treasurer
Cindy Batten was born in Phoenix, AZ but has lived in the Benson area her entire life. She graduated from Benson Union High School, continued her education at Northern AZ University and then earned her AA in Business from Cochise College. She has been in the banking industry since 1988, starting her career as a teller and working her way up through the ranks including Customer Service Manager, Branch Manager, District Operations Manager and Director of Customer Experience. Currently she is Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the local National Bank of Arizona branch.
Cindy stays involved in the community by volunteering with various organizations and local events. She is currently on the board for National Bank of AZ Charities, on the Community Facilities District Board for the Villages at Vigneto and serving as the Treasurer of SAEDG.
Cindy is married to Ernie, her husband.
Hal Ashton
Board Member
A native Tucsonan, Hal founded Diversified Design & Construction, Inc. in 1976. Hal currently serves as Chairman of Diversified. He has many years of experience in design, development and construction.
With his knowledge and service as Chairman of Diversified Hal brings a valued voice to the board of directors at SAEDG.
Jerry DeGrazia
Board Member
Jerry is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Area Development. After he left Arizona, he held positions in city, county and regional planning. Later, he moved to the private sector to work in real estate and land development. He returned to Tucson in 1994.
This and his knowledge of the economy of southern Arizona, uniquely qualifies him as a contributing board member for SAEDG.
Courtney Jordan
Board Member
Courtney Jordan is a passionate individual who recently relocated to St. David, Arizona, driven by her deep appreciation for the area. Having spent over five years in Arizona before her career in the federal government took her to Washington DC, Courtney has developed a strong connection to the community and its breathtaking natural surroundings. Her decision to move to St. David and the Benson area reflects her love for the region and her desire to contribute to its growth and development.
Courtney attended the University of South Alabama in which she obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and continued her education at the University of Alabama where she studied Masters of Business Administration.
In her previous roles, Courtney demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and dedication to serving others. As the President of the Pacific Region of the National Association of Disability Examiners, she played a crucial role in advocating for individuals with disabilities and ensuring fair and timely accurate disability assessments. Additionally, Courtney served as a squad leader for the Girls Scouts of America, guiding and inspiring young girls to become confident, resourceful, and compassionate individuals. With her extensive experience as a GS-14 and her decades of dedicated service in the government sector, she is bringing her experience to work for southern Arizona. Courtney's leadership, combined with her passion for community development, will undoubtedly make a significant and positive impact on the future of this area and its residents.
Norma Kastre
Board Member
Norma Kastre moved with her parents to Arizona from western Pennsylvania as one of five children. The PA oil and steel industry was experiencing a decline as more companies left the area for the western states. This move offered the large family new business opportunities with educational advantages for all. Norma chose to raise her family in the Valley while attending ASU for completion of her BA, MA, and PhD in Education and Learning Theory. During those years she taught different subjects to students from elementary to college graduate programs, played an active role in community projects, and managed Kastre Enterprises, her small family business.
Several years ago she relocated to the Tucson, Dragoon Mountain area where she currently owns and operates BJ Drilling and Pump Company, founded by the late Bob Jackson in 1973. The company employs locally, and continues Bob’s water well legacy through the family ties of their daughters, Becky, and Tammy.
Though Norma stays actively involved in her company, she continues her contribution of time and funds to nonprofit organizations such as Patranados of San Xavier del Bac Mission, Benson Food Pantry, San Pedro Little League, and Rancho Feliz.
With business interests and investments in southern Arizona, Norma recognizes, appreciates, and supports the current sustainable economic growth trends, with the potential for continued responsible use of natural resources.
Gil Lusk
Board Member
Gil Lusk comes to the SAEDG Board with a distinguished and varied career. After completing his college education Gil was assigned to the U.S. National Park Service enjoying positions in Vienna, VA, Valley Forge, Big Bend National Park, Glacier National Park, the Montana Nature Conservancy and concluding his National Park career by serving as the Special Assistant to the Director of the National Park Service.
After relocating to Arizona in 1997 Gil became involved in the Sonoran Institute and has worked in real estate development and the Solar Park Foundation.
Kevin Oberg
Board Member
After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Arizona and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California Kevin worked for two publicly held corporations. Deciding he enjoyed his independence he left and became a partner in a southern Arizona development company. Since that time, he has been actively involved in many different businesses in southern Arizona.
With his commitment to Benson and Cochise County, he looks forward to assisting in the future economic prosperity of the area.
George Scott
Executive Director
George Scott was born on January 1, 1947 in Tucson, Arizona. George is a lifelong resident of Benson, Arizona. Graduating from Benson Union High School in 1965. He attended Arizona Western College in 1965-1966 on a football scholarship. In December of 1966 he joined the US Army and served until December of 1969 to return home with an honorable discharge as a Sergeant (E-5).Upon returning to Arizona, George managed the family Redi-mix/Sand and Gravel company in Benson and attended Cochise College. He graduated in 1974 and managed the family business until 1976.George has experience in the Real Estate Business, Truck Leasing and RV sales. In 1996 George and his wife built a 105 space RV park, Pato Blanco Lakes RV Parkin Benson AZ. They were owner/managers until it was sold in 2005.
In 2001, George was elected to serve as Vice-Mayor of Benson, AZ. He had served two years as Vice-Mayor when he was elected as the Mayor of Benson. George was elected as Mayor to help clean up the small-town politics and bring progress to the area. Under his tenure new home development was approved and new retail businesses located to Benson including a Walmart Supercenter. Because of George’s efforts city revenues increased and continues to grow.
After leaving the mayor’s office in the summer of 2007 George and a group of local businessmen formed the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group to help promote business in Cochise County.
George is married to MaryAnn; between them they have five adult children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
