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Marco A. López, Jr. is the CEO of Intermestic Partners, an international business advisory and investment firm specializing in cross-border commerce, trade, and investment. Under his leadership, Intermestic Partners develops and manages a diverse portfolio of international projects, driving impact and opportunity across borders. A dedicated public servant and entrepreneur, Marco’s career spans leadership roles at the local, state, and federal levels. At just 21 years old, he was elected Mayor of Nogales, Arizona, becoming one of the youngest mayors in the country. He later served as Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, where he strengthened Arizona’s trade relationships and economic competitiveness. At the national level, Marco was appointed Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection under President Obama, overseeing a $13 billion budget and 60,000 personnel. In 2011, he transitioned to the private sector, founding his own business in Arizona, leveraging his expertise to foster economic development. Over the past decade, his work has connected one million low-income families to high-speed internet in the U.S. and is on track to create 16,000 jobs in Arizona. In 2021, Marco ran for Governor of Arizona, becoming only the fourth Latino in state history to secure a major party nomination. His campaign was built on the Promise of Arizona—the belief that through hard work and respect, opportunity is within reach for all. This vision is deeply personal, rooted in the experience of his parents, who immigrated from Mexico nearly 50 years ago to build a better future for their family. Beyond his work in government and business, Marco has been an active leader in global and national policy. He has served on the Council on Foreign Relations, The Nature Conservancy Conservation & Public Policy Committee, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Arizona District Export Council. He also sits on numerous advisory boards spanning the public and private sectors. Marco is a Senior Advisor to the Carlos Slim Foundation, where he guides U.S. initiatives focused on digital inclusion, vocational education, and economic development.