Call it The 21st Century Renaissance. And Arizona is a key player in this phenomenon. Yes, we have an arts and culture scene that is growing beyond what many of us would have imagined not that long ago. But I’m also referring to the wave of innovation found in our technology and science sectors. Not a day goes by when there isn’t news involving fields such as … [More]
Taking an Early Lead
Chief Science Officers guide others even before careers begin
Facilitator Alexis Kelley leads an exercise that includes Anaíz Daniels (foreground). For many young people, considering whether to attend college is as big as the decision-making usually gets. And they often do it alone. But for a group of youths no older than 18, they upped the ante by leading discussions that ultimately could impact the entire state. More … [More]
A Living Document
Blog offers glimpse of Arizona tech ecosystem’s constant evolution
Few would dispute that technology is constantly evolving. Capturing the changes would be a daunting task for any historian trying to keep track of developments in order to relay the highlights to others. But people interested in the progress of Arizona’s tech scene have it a little easier. They have been keeping tabs on what’s new since spring 2018 by clicking on the blog … [More]
Government Relations Is Specialty of Latest Addition to Staff
Cepand Alizadeh has joined the staff of the Arizona Technology Council as its first government relations specialist to help ensure the state’s energy ecosystem remains innovative, sustainable and responsive to the increasing demands of residents and businesses. Alizadeh is responsible for connecting with policymakers, community leaders and industry stakeholders to advance … [More]
New Council Board Members Add to Mix of Expertise
The two newest members of the Arizona Technology Council’s board of directors bring expertise in global payment networks and technology, as well as information technology talent development. Cheryl Eckardt, vice president of Global Network Service Technology at American Express, and Craig Jackman, founder and president of Paragon IT Professionals, were unanimously elected to … [More]
A Multipronged Approach
Council works year-round when it comes to winning public policy efforts
When it comes to public policy, efforts by the Arizona Technology Council are continuous as the responsibility of promoting and protecting the state’s technology community never stops. The efforts are especially worth it when the successes can be tallied at the end of the legislative session of the Arizona Capitol. Case in point are noteworthy actions from the recently … [More]
Governor Names CEO to AI Steering Committee
Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute, has been appointed by Gov. Katie Hobbs to serve on the state’s inaugural Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee. The committee brings together leaders and experts from across sectors to develop a statewide policy framework and governance strategy for the use of AI. The committee will guide the … [More]
February 2025 President’s Message
I’m fortunate to be in the position of seeing and supporting Arizona’s quest for greatness every day. Specifically, I’m referring to the activities surrounding the building of a technology ecosystem that impacts not just our state but the world. It’s not surprising that many members of that global community want to be part of the action, too. But to reach for the stars, we … [More]
Say Hello to Ada
Chatbot created to answer Council questions 24/7
In this 24/7 world, it’s hard to imagine anyone not getting what they need when they need it. Arizona Technology Council members are no different, especially when many work at businesses where customers expect to be served around the clock. But what happens when a member traveling on the other side of the world needs to know details about an upcoming Council event when it’s … [More]
What’s in a Name?
SciTech Institute initiative identifies cross-over workforce skills
When it comes to preparing the future workforce for careers, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. This is a key discovery arising from discussions led by SciTech Institute with stakeholders in Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math ecosystem to determine what skills are really necessary. “When we have these conversations, we ask employers what they need and … [More]
The Ties That Bind
New committee unites aerospace, defense community
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 … [More]
Council President and CEO Feted for His Efforts
Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, has been recognized for his efforts on two fronts. Zylstra was named to the Arizona Space Commission Board of Directors in September by Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Ben Toma. Zylstra’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and public-private … [More]
Engineering Firm President Named Newest Board Member
Patrick Marcus, president of Tucson-based Marcus Engineering, was elected unanimously to serve a three-year term at the Arizona Technology Council’s quarterly board meeting in late October. Marcus’ company provides regulated electronics products for medical, military, aerospace, mining and other industries where design quality is critical. Marcus also sits on the advisory … [More]
August 2024 President’s Message
Like most people who live here, the summer heat is something we at the Arizona Technology Council endure or dread, depending on the day. That is one of the reasons we tune in to developments related to clean energy technology. No matter your stance on climate change, there is no denying that power generated by renewable sources does not generate carbon dioxide and other … [More]
Intelligent Conversations
Committee created to leverage shared knowledge about artificial intelligence
As the business world begins wrestling with the challenge of how to incorporate artificial intelligence into company operations, the Arizona Technology Council has stepped forward to help sort through the clutter. The Council’s Arizona Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem (AAIE) Committee’s mission is to lead the state’s journey into the era of artificial intelligence by … [More]
Focus on the Future
Public policy efforts continue despite state’s budget deficit
With public policy being one of the mainstay activities of the Arizona Technology Council, it stands to reason that the Legislature is the place to find the group’s members as they work to progress a pro technology agenda. But in a year when the legislative session focused on dealing with the state’s huge budget deficit, it was understandable for the Council to pick key … [More]
Diana White Joins Council as New Chief of Staff
Diana White has been appointed the new chief of staff for the Arizona Technology Council, bringing her experience in the technology and entrepreneurial communities. In this role, White is responsible for partnering with the Council’s president and CEO to represent the association with its board of directors and external constituency groups. She will also serve on the … [More]
Dynamic Duo
E-mobility, clean energy companies make mark in Arizona
When trying to gauge where the focus of the technology community is these days, the Arizona Technology Council needs only to look at the makeup of its membership — and toward the White House. The Council is seeing a great deal of interest among members in the fields of electric vehicles — more commonly known as e-mobility — and clean energy. New types of companies whose … [More]
