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At AWS, I serve as a Real Estate Business Development Manager within the Data Center Supply Solutions team, leading site acquisition and entitlement efforts for data center development. Since joining AWS in March 2022, I have been responsible for shaping the real estate strategy for Eastern Oregon, focusing on Umatilla and Morrow counties. Over the past decade, AWS has accumulated a portfolio of 1,000 acres in this region. Given Oregon’s predominantly agricultural landscape, identifying suitable industrial land for data centers presents significant challenges.
The biggest challenge was rezoning this land for industrial use, a complex and time-consuming process that typically takes between 2-4 years, with no guarantee of approval. To streamline this effort, I worked closely with the City in 2023 to leverage the rezone process, a more efficient and viable alternative for 1,200 acres of non-industrial land. I have already secured 700 acres of 1,200 acres while negotiations are on-going for remaining 500 acres. In September 2024, this initiative secured approvals from the Planning Commission and City Council. The city-issued press release highlighting that construction permits reached a record-breaking $266 million in 2024.
By early 2023, I expanded my responsibilities exploring opportunities in surrounding counties, Gilliam and Walla Walla counties. My efforts resulted in securing over 900 acres of land in just these two counties, which is the largest expansion in Western region so far. These initiatives transformed Eastern Oregon from a constrained market to a thriving region, enhancing AWS’s ability to meet long-term operational needs. Press releases were issued to demonstrate AWS's growth in this region.
Acknowledging my contributions to the region, AWS leadership entrusted me with overseeing the entire Eastern Oregon portfolio in 2025. I have established myself as a key leader driving growth and strategy for AWS’s second-largest data center hub after Virginia.
Recognizing the critical role of energy in data center operations, I also led the renewable and nuclear energy strategy for the region. I worked closely with power utilities to develop long-term plans for integrating sustainable energy solutions, such as solar farms and small modular reactors (SMRs). By diversifying the power portfolio, AWS is better positioned to scale operations without placing additional strain on local energy grids.
Beyond real estate and energy initiatives, I worked closely with city and county officials to enhance critical infrastructure, including water facilities, power grids, fiber networks, road improvements, and workforce training programs. These efforts not only supported AWS’s operational growth but also contributed to local economic development, boosting tax revenues, creating new job opportunities, and fostering local talent.
To further improve operational efficiency, I developed and implemented an internal GIS platform tailored for AWS’s real estate and site selection teams. This platform enabled secure site tracking, streamlined management processes, and enhanced the organization’s ability to identify new business development opportunities. By centralizing and visualizing site data, this tool improved decision-making and supported AWS’s broader expansion strategy across the region.
Through these efforts, I have played a key role in shaping AWS’s data center footprint in Eastern Oregon, ensuring long-term sustainability, scalability, and alignment with both corporate and community objectives. My work continues to be driven by the belief that successful development is not just about securing land but about creating lasting economic and social benefits for the communities we operate in.
This achievement was pivotal for AWS’s real estate data center expansion, securing 1,600 acres and rezoning 1,200 acres across multiple counties and transforming Eastern Oregon into a scalable, high-growth region. Overcoming complex rezoning hurdles, I accelerated approvals, enabling AWS to meet long-term AI-driven demand. My leadership in diversifying energy solutions ensured sustainable growth without overburdening local grids. Professionally, this success positioned me as a key leader within AWS, earning oversight of the entire Eastern Oregon portfolio and reinforcing my expertise in large-scale infrastructure development and strategic business growth.
Nomination Title: Abhishek Garg, Data Center Developer
