Benchmark CEO, Honeywell’s Currier win at Governor’s Celebration of Innovation
Story Highlights
- Jeff Benck of Benchmark and James Currier of Honeywell among Arizona innovation award winners
- Arizona’s Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards handed out at gala event
- Awards event recognizes Arizona tech innovation and leadership
Jeff Benck, the outgoing CEO of Valley-based Benchmark Electronics, and James Currier, the president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies were among the award winners Wednesday night at the 2025 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in Phoenix.
The Nov. 12 event held at Chateau Luxe honors leaders and innovators in the Arizona technology community. It is sponsored by the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority.
Here are the award winners announced at the event as selected from among a group of finalists in each category:
- MSS Business Transformation Leader of the Year: Jeff Benck of Benchmark
- Innovator of the Year, Small Company: Optical Support Inc.
- Innovator of the Year, Startup: JACE Sciences/RokPaper Packaging
- Innovator of the Year, Academia: New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center
“Arizona’s pace of innovation has never been stronger, thanks to the vision and dedication of organizations and leaders like those we celebrated,” said Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Tech Council and SciTech Institute, in a statement. “Our 2025 awardees represent the best of Arizona’s creativity, ingenuity and leadership in technology.”
Other award winners were previously announced:
- People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award: James Currier of Honeywell
- Innovator of the Year, Large Company: Aligned Data Centers
- Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year: Per Scholas Phoenix
- Judges Award: Flinn Foundation
“We’re proud to partner with the Arizona Technology Council to celebrate the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards and recognize the incredible innovations taking place in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, in a statement. “Congratulations to this year’s outstanding winners who are helping shape Arizona’s innovation landscape.”
Benchmark CEO plans to retire
Honeywell International recently announced that Currier will continue to lead the company’s Arizona-based aerospace business as CEO after it spins off into a separate public entity, expected to be completed in mid-2026.
Benck was in the limelight at the awards event after announcing in September that he plans to step down as CEO after six years at the helm of Benchmark Electronics (NYSE: BHE).
The winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by the following selection committee of experts independent of the Arizona Technology Council: Bob DeLean, Arizona Tech Investors; Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona and the University of Arizona; Eric Miller, PADT Inc. and Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory.
Winners of the 2025 Future Innovators of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards were announced Sept. 17, representing Arizona’s next generation of STEM talent and innovation leadership.
Additionally, winners of the GCOI Legislator Awards for Outstanding Technology Senator of the Year, Outstanding Technology Representative of the Year and Tech Ten Champions awards were disclosed Nov. 5. The state lawmakers were recognized for advancing Arizona’s technology industry and supporting STEM education.