Holly Sullivan
Vice President of Worldwide Economic Development, Amazon
Holly Sullivan is the Vice President of Worldwide Economic Development at Amazon, where she drives large-scale growth strategies that fuel job creation and innovation across the globe. She led Amazon’s high-profile HQ2 search, ultimately leading the development of the company's second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia—bringing 25,000 jobs to the region. Her impact continued with the launch of Amazon’s 5,000-employee Nashville hub and the expansion of 18 North American Tech Hubs, generating over 50,000 corporate and tech roles.
With more than two decades of experience in economic development, Holly has collaborated with global leaders to strengthen Amazon’s operations and logistics network, including Amazon Air, Prime Air, studio production hubs, device manufacturing, Amazon Leo, corporate offices and other strategic growth initiatives globally.
Before joining Amazon, Holly served as President and CEO of the Montgomery Business Development Corporation in Maryland and led economic development efforts in the Nashville region. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Tennessee.
Holly’s leadership has earned her national recognition, including being named one of Washington, D.C.’s Most Powerful Real Estate Players by Commercial Observer (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), a “Woman Who Influences” by Bethesda Magazine (2021), and a “Power 100” honoree (2022, 2023). She was also honored with the Scouts of America’s Honorable Scout Award and named one of Nashville’s Most Powerful People in 2023, 2024, and 2025 by the Power Poll.
She currently serves on several boards, including the New Hanover County Endowment, Cape Fear Academy Board of Directors, the Tennessee Business Leadership Council, and the University of Tennessee Haslam School of Business Advisory Board.
Holly lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her husband, their 12-year-old daughter, and two lively Labrador Retrievers.
