Lea Márquez Peterson has called Arizona home with her husband Dan and their two children for over 40 years. Being an entrepreneur is in Lea’s blood, as her family has owned small businesses for generations. Lea created and managed several small businesses in the Tucson area over the last two decades.
Lea’s passion for small business led her to serve as President/CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. While serving as President/CEO, Lea helped advocate for over 1,800 small businesses across Southern Arizona and her success was recognized nationally by being named Hispanic Chamber of the year.
Lea’s successes in business and community service led her to be appointed to the Arizona Corporation Commission in May 2019. She was honored to be elected statewide in 2020 and served as chairwoman of the commission for two years.
Lea will continue to prioritize energy reliability and protect Arizona families by keeping rates affordable.
Background
40+ year resident of Southern Arizona
Married to Daniel Peterson, two children
Undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship - University of Arizona
Master’s degree in Business Administration - Pepperdine University
20+ years as a small business owner
Former President/CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber
Former Executive Director for Greater Tucson Leadership
Appointed to the Arizona Corporation Commission in May 2019 - First Latina in Arizona history to serve in a statewide seat
Lifelong Republican
Republican Precinct Committeewoman - LD 18
In the Industry
National Association of Regulated Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
Co-Vice Chair, NARUC Water Committee
Co-Chair, NARUC/NASEO Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative
Gas Electric Alignment for Reliability Taskforce (GEAR)
EPRI Global Advisory Council
Vice Chair, Western Interconnect Regional Advisory Body (WIRAB)
In the Community
Arizona Finance Authority
Arizona Judicial Council
Arizona Zanjeros
Carondelet’s St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Hospital Boards
Flinn Brown Fellow
Honorary Rotarian
National Association of Regulated Utility Commissioners
National Association of Women Business Owners - Tucson
National Small Business Development Council Board
National Women’s Business Council
Pima Association of Governments Economic Vitality Committee
Pima County Small Business Commission
Pima County Workforce Investment Board
Southern Arizona Business Roundtable
Southern Arizona Chamber of Commerce Alliance
Tucson Airport Authority
Tucson Leading Women Breakfast Club
U.S. Chamber CCC 100 Board Member
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board
University of Arizona Foundation Board
University of Arizona Hispanic Advisory Council
Awards
2022 National Hispanic Business Woman of the Year by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber
2021 Jack Jewett Award by Arizona Center for Civic Leadership
2021 Most Influential Woman in Arizona Business Award by AZ Big Media
2021 Sabino High School Hall of Fame
2020 Conservatives for a Clean Energy Future Award
2019 Global Luminary Award - GWEN
2017 Top Latino Leader Award - National Diversity Council
2015 Hispanic Heritage Award - National Football League/Arizona Cardinals
2014 Extraordinary Woman in Business Award - University of Arizona Eller College
2012 Distinguished Citizen Award - University of Arizona Alumni Association
2011 State of Arizona Minority Business Advocate of the Year - U.S. Small Business Administration
2009 Rising Star - Hispanic Professional Action Committee
2008 Business Advocate of the Year - MED Week
2007 Entrepreneurial Fellow Award - University of Arizona
2007 Woman of Influence - Inside Tucson Business
2003 Tucson Small Business Leader of the Year Award - Tucson Metro Chamber
2001 Tucson Business Woman of the Year Award - NAWBO Tucson