Council President and CEO Steven G. Zylstra addresses attendees of the inaugural meeting of the Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense Committee. To his immediate right are (in order) co-chairs Jonathan Roll and Darren Long.
It’s no secret that Arizona is home to a community that creates and supports the technology that fills the skies and protects the nation. Who would be surprised to learn that some of the companies evolving — and competing — in these sensitive sectors wind up existing in siloes.
A new committee launched by the Arizona Technology Council is a forum where members instead will find that they can go farther when they don’t go alone.
The Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense (AASD) Committee was created to serve as the central coordinating body under the direction of the Council to position Arizona as the global hub of aerospace excellence.
Committee co-chairs Darren Long and Jonathan Roll recently joined Council President and CEO Steven G. Zylstra in leading the committee’s inaugural meeting. Among their accomplishments, Long is vice chairman of Tucson Metro Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and Roll is research and management analyst at Arizona State University’s NewSpace Initiative.
The committee was created to drive innovation and address critical aerospace, aviation, space and defense challenges by encouraging collaboration among industry leaders, academia, government agencies and emerging companies.
The AASD committee aims to bridge startup gaps, shape state and national security, promote economic growth through strategic partnerships, connect associated manufacturing, inspire policy advocacy, and support workforce development.
Specifically, the committee’s goals are to:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive AASD development and deliverables plan to include methods and tools for identifying, recruiting, orienting, training, educating and evaluating diverse, skilled and knowledgeable board members.
- Annually assess key industry trends and challenges with input from the Council’s board, ensuring the committee’s focus aligns with the most pressing opportunities and obstacles in the aerospace, aviation, space and defense sectors.
- Shape and guide the committee’s subcommittees in achieving strategic initiatives within their respective sectors, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with the Council’s broader mission.
- Work with Council leadership to advocate for policies, funding opportunities and industry partnerships that drive innovation and development in Arizona’s aerospace and defense industries.
- Promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the committee’s activities, ensuring a broad range of perspectives and expertise.
When it comes to recruiting members, the AASD committee will follow a structured framework. Regular evaluations will occur to ensure progress and alignment with Arizona’s Aerospace Roadmap.
Although not formally established, tentative subcommittees could be appointed annually to manage the nominating responsibilities for aerospace and defense, space and launch satellites, aviation and airports, startups and innovation, cybersecurity and IT defense, emerging technologies, and research and development.
The committee will develop an annual strategic plan, host quarterly industry roundtables and publish a yearly report on Arizona’s aerospace sector progress to drive accountability and results. The committee also will work to enhance Arizona’s aerospace infrastructure, support startup growth, and ensure sustainable development within the global aerospace ecosystem.
