Resolution Copper employee Bryan Seppala awarded 2026 AAED Member of the Year
Superior, AZ – April 27, 2026 – The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) honored Resolution Copper employee Bryan Seppala, AZED Pro, with the prestigious Member of the Year award. The Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards were established nearly 50 years ago to recognize the outstanding work of AAED members and were presented at the annual Spring Conference, held last week in Tucson, Arizona.
The Member of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant commitment to AAED, such as active involvement on the Board of Directors and committees, recruitment of new members, regular attendance at events, and organizational/event sponsorship.
Bryan serves as Principal Advisor for Resolution Copper’s Communities and Social Performance Team and has been one of AAED’s most engaged and impactful members. He served on the AAED Advisory Board for two years before being elected to the Board of Directors. He also currently holds the Vice Chair role on the Rural Committee, where he has revitalized programming and organized the first in-person Rural Event since pre-COVID, a Rural Road Trip to Superior in March 2026, and sits on the Fall Forum committee.
Bryan led the creation of a strategic Presidential Partner-level partnership between Resolution Copper and AAED that funds five Copper Corridor memberships and supports sponsorship of the Spring Conference, Fall Forum, Rural Connect, and Legislative Lunch on the Lawn. He has also personally recruited seven new AAED members, generated nearly 18,000 LinkedIn impressions promoting AAED in 2025 alone, and championed a fundraiser at the 2025 Spring Conference that directed proceeds to the Superior Food Bank.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized with this award. It reflects the support of amazing colleagues, mentors, and friends who have been part of this journey. I’m energized to keep doing the work I care deeply about and to continue supporting the communities I’m proud to serve,” said Bryan Seppala, Principal Advisor for Economic Development & Social Investments for Resolution Copper.
“We are extremely proud that Bryan continues to be recognized by the communities and organizations he serves on behalf of Resolution Copper,” said Curtis Thomas, General Manager of CSP, Tribal Affairs, and Permitting and Approvals for Resolution Copper. “Bryan approaches his work with genuine care for people and a deep respect for the communities of the Copper Triangle and beyond. That commitment is very much aligned with the values we strive to uphold as a company, but what sets Bryan apart is how personally and consistently he lives those values every day. It is inspiring to see that commitment so openly appreciated by others.”
This is Bryan’s first EDDE award and Resolution Copper’s second, having previously been named the 2024 Provider of the Year.
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About Resolution Copper
Resolution Copper is Arizona Copper. The Resolution Copper Project is operated by Resolution Copper Mining, a limited liability company owned 55 percent by Resolution Copper Company (a Rio Tinto PLC subsidiary) and 45 percent by BHP Copper Inc. (a BHP PLC subsidiary). Learn more at resolutioncopper.com.
About the Arizona Association for Economic Development
AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. For more information on AAED, visit www.aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
Media Contact
Tyson Nansel
M +1 520 827 9056
Media Relations, Resolution Copper