Sandra Watson
Director, The Office of Innovation & Technology
Arizona Department of Commerce

Sandra Watson is the Director of the Office of Innovation and Technology for the Arizona Department of Commerce, as well as the Executive Director for the Governor’s Council on Innovation and Technology. Watson is responsible for ensuring that the needs of the emerging technology industries are being met in Arizona. Her office is dedicated to providing assistance and resources to accelerate the growth of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship throughout the state.   

Previously Watson was the Business Development Director for the Arizona Department of Commerce. Watson was responsible for the marketing and site location efforts required to diversify and expand Arizona’s employment base. Under Watson’s leadership, the Business Development Team assisted approximately 230 companies relocating or expanding in Arizona, thus creating over 50,000 jobs in the state from the period of July 1998 – April 2002.

Watson has an Honors Bachelor of Commerce Degree and has completed the Global Leadership Certificate Program at Thunderbird International Graduate School. Watson has been designated an Economic Development Finance Professional by The National Development Council.

Watson is a member of several economic development organizations including the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks Arizona Chapter, the Phoenix Community Alliance and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce Arizona Chapter.