Jodie Wilson is the founder of Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine, DiscoverTheRegion.com as well as Discover The Region Publications. She launched the platform in 2008 with the goal of showcasing the greater Phoenix and Ohio areas for both residents and visitors

In Ohio, Discover The Dayton Region was already gaining traction, as our predecessor, led by Eve Giorgio. Eve’s dear friend Jodie wanted to help, reach out to other markets, and grow. Under Jodie’s direction the publication grew from a digital platform into a bi-monthly print and online magazine that covers local culture, businesses, events, and community life. Her background in business, safety leadership, and early digital media was the scion to the publication’s direction. Jodie also formed immensely important partnerships which have contributed to the Magazine, and Digital Platform’s growth.

A Foundation in Business Leadership and Community Service

Before starting the magazine, Jodie built her career at Cargill Inc., then the world’s largest independently owned company. There she led several workplace initiatives, including the creation of an ergonomics team, management of OSHA compliance, and the establishment of a Behavioral Based Safety Team. She also directed wellness programs, safety training for union members, and fundraising efforts. One of her campaigns following the events of September 11 raised a vast amount of money for 9/11 victims. Her work earned recognition as Cargill’s Top Volunteer for Service in the Community along with Employee Appreciation and Recognition awards.

In 2008, inspired by her friend Eve, who owned Discover The Dayton Region Magazine, Jodie assembled a team to adapt the concept for Phoenix. She launched the website that same year. The site grew rapidly, increasing traffic by more than 2,000 percent and reaching over 2 million organic visits in under a year. This growth led to a feature in Forbes for Eve Giorgio of the Dayton Region magazine, and as a result two years later, Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine was born, providing the foundation for our current bi-monthly publication.

As Founder, Editor, Jodie focused on:

• Guiding the overall direction and mission of Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine
• Supporting the development of both digital and print content
• Maintaining strong community connections that inform the publication’s coverage
• Applying practical business and organizational experience to the magazine’s operations
• Encouraging clear storytelling that serves local readers and visitors

Her earlier work in corporate leadership and community service gave her a practical approach to building and sustaining a regional publication.

Leadership Through Consistent Contribution

Jodie’s earlier achievements at Cargill and her early adoption of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn influenced the magazine’s digital presence and community focus. Jodie has historically been a bone marrow donor, a participant in the JennaBears Program, a food rescue volunteer with The 3000 Club, and a member of the Auxiliary Board of Valley View Community Food Bank. She has also been involved with the Surprise Leads and Networking Group, the American Business Women’s Organization (ABWA), and Eco-Monday.

Stories That Connect the Region

Jodie’s approach was straightforward: a strong regional magazine starts with understanding the community it serves. Whether launching new features, supporting the editorial team, or strengthening local partnerships, she worked to deliver accurate, readable content that reflected the Phoenix area. For a publication built on local storytelling and steady growth, Jodie Wilson provided that foundational direction.