Episode Archive - Arizona Technology Council

Episode 37: Jim Hertle, Jim Hertle, Chief Operating Officer of Corsica Technologies

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Jim Hertle, COO of Corsica Technologies.

July 2026 AZ TechCast | The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steven Zylstra and Leslie Marquez sit down with three leaders deeply involved in Arizona’s aerospace ecosystem and the planning of the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit.

Episode 36: Jessica Grant, President and Craig Jackman CEO and co-founder, Paragon IT Professionals

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Jessica Grant and Craig Jackman of Paragon IT Professionals.

May 2026 AZ TechCast | Bending Light, Shaping the Future: Inside Arizona’s Optics Ecosystem

Katie Schwertz (Edmund Optics), Dr. Robert Norwood (University of Arizona) and Michael Hart (HartSCI LLC) break down the basics of optics and photonics in a way anyone can understand, while also diving into cutting-edge advancements like free-space laser communications, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation infrared materials.

March 2026 AZ TechCast | Execution Matters: Aligning Teams to Drive Real Growth

In this episode of AZ TechCast, Arizona-based business leaders and experts come together to explore how organizations across the state can strengthen sales performance, refine marketing strategy and drive growth, even in a challenging economic climate.

Episode 35: Sonia Vohnout, President & CEO, OppsSpot, LLC

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Sonia Vohnout of OppsSpot.

January 2026 TechCast | From Desert to Digital: Arizona’s Data Center Story

In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller dive into the evolving role of data centers in Arizona with insights from Cepand Alizadeh (Arizona Technology Council), Tom Maples (DPR Construction), and Colton Brown (Aligned Data Centers).

December 2025 TechCast | Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with two leaders shaping the future of STEM with the Council's foundation, the SciTech Institute.

November 2025 TechCast | Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona’s STEM Legacy

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with the Council's 2025 Future Innovator Award winning students and educator as well as STEM and workforce development industry leaders. The future of STEM talent is bright in Arizona!

Episode 34: Rick Heicksen, Practice Head of Data Management, Chetu

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Rick Heicksen of Chetu.

September 2025 TechCast | The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas; Martijn Pierik, Sr. Vice President & Partner at Kiterocket; and Vic Narusis, Executive Vice President of Industry Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority about Arizona's rise in the semiconductor industry and the upcoming SEMICON West.

Episode 33: Mark McLoud, EVP and Partner at FPT

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Mark McLoud, EVP of FPT.

July 2025 TechCast | Workforce in Flight: Developing Arizona’s Aerospace, Aviation, Space & Defense Future

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with Kate Lemke of Pipeline AZ, Jonathan Roll of ASU and Tom Wilson of SciTech Institute about workforce development in the AASD sectors.

Episode 32: Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs.

May 2025 TechCast | Unlocking Innovation: AI + Machine Learning in Business Applications

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft), Minky Kernacs (Mercurio Analytics Inc.), Niranjan Krishnan (FPT Software) and Chris Lucero (Luminos Innovation).

Episode 31: Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise, Managed Solutions, Comcast Business

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise, Managed Solutions for Comcast Business.

March 2025 TechCast | Staying Resilient: How to Protect Your Business from Disruptions

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Leslie Marquez and Eric Miller chat with TJ Van Der Werf of RYTHMz, Joseph Cook of The Arizona Group and Jim Henry of Iron Mountain.

Episode 30: Mary Darling, CEO, Darling Geomatics

In this episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we join host Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. as he interviews Mary Darling, CEO of Darling Geomatics.

January 2025 TechCast | Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women for the Future of Work

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with Kim McWaters and Abdu Dahr from Fresh Start Women's Foundation and HR pro Scott Holman.

November 2024 TechCast | Arizona’s Space Odyssey: Leading the Final Frontier

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, host Eric Miller chats with two innovators in the Arizona space sector.

October 2024 TechCast | Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona’s STEM Legacy

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller chat with two of the Council's 2024 Future Innovator Award winning students as well as STEM and workforce development industry leaders. The future of STEM talent is bright in Arizona!

September 2024 TechCast | Tech-Driven Retirement: The Benefits of 401(k) MEP Programs for Employers and Employees

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller discuss the Council's 401(k) MEP program and current trends in the investment space.

July 2024 TechCast | Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access

In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss innovation and technology in Arizona, focusing on the impact of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on internet access.

June 2024 TechCast | Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, industry experts Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton guide us through the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding businesses followed by an exploration of AI's current and future impact on cybersecurity.

May 2024 TechCast | Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, industry leaders Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, discuss government contracting and funding and highlight how to be successful when applying for and receiving contracts or funds.

April 2024 TechCast | Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, industry leaders Earl Collins, Dre Thompson, and Maren Mahoney, discuss the collaborations between public and private sectors and tribal communities.

March 2024 TechCast | Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, industry leaders Amber Smith of Pipeline AZ, Dane Vignjevic of Digitanity, and Milan Dordevic of Proctorio and PMI Phoenix discuss workforce development in Arizona and beyond.

Episode 29: Susan Duman, SVP of Strategy, Sun Corridor

In the episode of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Susan Dumon, Senior Vice President of Strategy for Sun Corridor. Susan is responsible for leading strategic initiatives around competitiveness that align with Sun Corridor Inc.’s mission to drive transformative economic development in the Tucson and Southern Arizona region. Susan has nearly 20 years of experience in economic development i...

February 2024 TechCast | AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency and Innovation

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, Arizona State University’s Stephen Carradini, Yeager Marketing’s Renee Yeager and Intero Digital’s Spencer Lee discuss the opportunities, risks and applications of AI-powered marketing.

January 2024 AZ TechCast | Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros

This dynamic podcast interview, hosted by Karen Nowicki and Steven Zylstra, featured esteemed guests Victor Assad from Strategic HR Consulting; Carol Stewart from Tech Parks Arizona and Art Taylor from PayPal. These leaders engaged in a comprehensive exploration of effective leadership in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

December 2023 TechCast | Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade

In this thought-provoking episode, we'll dive into the dynamic intersection of AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and international trade. Joining us are esteemed guests Ciprian Ciucu, Mayor of District 6 of Bucharest, and Cristian Băcanu, a member of the Romanian Parliament, both offering unique insights into these critical domains. Additionally, we're honored to have David Cook, Arizona D...

Episode 28: Anne Dougherty, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, ILLUME

In this edition of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Anne Dougherty, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of ILLUME, a research consultancy serving the clean energy industry. In her executive role, Anne leads ILLUME’s brand vision, business development, and market strategy, and charts the course for ILLUME’s technical service areas. Anne is a skilled researcher and customer experience design consulta...

November 2023 TechCast | Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona

The November 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Autumn Johnson from Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Adrian Keller from Solar United Neighbors and Colleen Mahoney from Array Technologies. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council, and Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX...

October 2023 TechCast | Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband

The October 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Kelly LeBlanc from IP Infusion, Seth Haller from EPS Global and Sandip Bhowmick from the Arizona Commerce Authority. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council, and Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, in sharing plans that are already un...

Episode 27: Doug Hockstad, Associate Vice President, Tech Launch Arizona

In this edition of Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Doug Hockstad, Associate Vice President for Tech Launch Arizona. Doug Hockstad serves as the Associate Vice President of Tech Launch Arizona. He joined the UArizona in 2013 initially directing the IP and licensing function, building on more than 25 years of experience in high tech markets. { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "P...

September 2023 TechCast | Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade

The September 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Representative David Cook of the Arizona House of Representatives; Leandro Solorzano, director at the U.S. Commercial Service; and Tina Waddington, executive director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council, and ...

Episode 26: Travis Rogers, Senior Director for Technology Enablement, Cloud, Data & Analytics, Slalom

In this edition of the Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Travis Rogers, Senior Director for Technology Enablement, Cloud, Data & Analytics for Slalom. Travis is a strategic and innovative thinker with over 20+ years of experience successfully working in Enterprise IT and Consulting. Is experienced in a variety of industries and technologies has specialized in several. He has provided tec...

August 2023 TechCast | How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy

The August 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Simon Golding, senior digital marketing consultant at Intero Digital; Rianna Lowrance, content marketing manager at Trimble SketchUp; and Andrew Smart, co-founder and commercial director at Slator. These leaders joined Bianca Buliga, director of marketing and communications at the Council, ...

Episode 25: Sheila Kloefkorn, CEO, KEO Marketing

In this edition of the Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Sheila Kloefkorn, Chief Executive Officer for KEO Marking. Sheila is a business and marketing expert with more than 30 years of experience. She helps companies increase leads and revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars. She leads a talented team of marketers in creating and executing award-winning campaigns around the world. Sheila...

July 2023 episode | A closer look at Arizona’s shifting IT industry

The July 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Alex Cole, CEO of Cole Technologies; Will Davis, director, Data & Analytics at Slalom; and Jackie Shipley, chief people officer at AccountabilIT. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, Council president and CEO, and Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, in discussing tip...

Episode 24: Dr. David Bolman, Provost, University of Advancing Technology (UAT)

In this edition of the Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Dr. David Bolman. UAT Provost Bolman has focused his career upon addressing the profound need within Arizona and the nation for a substantial and diverse creative class workforce. As its long standing provost, Dr. Bolman has built the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) into a unique all-STEM institution that marries the best of t...

June 2023 episode | Ensuring data privacy when using generative AI

The June 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Rebecca Clyde, co-founder and CEO of Botco.ai; Demetrius Dillard, senior director of IS/IT at Aspire Indiana Health; and Chris Maeda, chief technology officer at Botco.ai. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, Council president and CEO, and Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business...

May 2023 episode | Microelectronics: Tiny technology with a massive impact

The May 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Joe Cestari, executive director at Kiterocket; Travis Kelly, president and CEO of Isola Group and chairman of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America; and Monica McDade, project manager at Leonardo Electronics US - Laser Solutions. These leaders joined Bianca Buliga, director of marke...

April 2023 episode | Developing a Future-Proof Arizona Workforce

The April 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Rob Buelow, program director of the AZNext Workforce Development Partnership at ASU; Dr. Daniel Corr, president of Arizona Western College; and Kathy Prather, CEO and superintendent of Pima Joint Technical Education District. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizo...

Episode 23: Eric Miller, Co-Owner, Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT)

In this edition of the Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Eric Miller, co-founder of PADT. Eric is a startup mentor and angel investor, sits on the board of several tech-related organizations, and is Chair of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors.

March 2023 episode | Optics Valley: The State of Arizona’s Optics Industry

The March 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Dr. Jennifer Barton, director of the BIO5 Institute at The University of Arizona; Gregory Quarles, CEO and president of Applied Energetics, Inc.; and Katie Schwertz, design engineering manager at Edmund Optics. These leaders joined Bianca Buliga, director of marketing and communications at t...

Episode 22: Ana Greif, Chief Executive Officer, JobPath

In this edition of the Tech Focus Member Spotlight, we meet Ana Greif. For over 25 years, Ana has been an advocate for economic development initiatives that empower individuals to reach their potential. Her passion for education led her to her current role as CEO of JobPath, where she leads a talented team of coaches and staff supporting close to 700 students in industrial trades, information t...

February 2023 episode | How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation

The January 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Dara Gibson, AZ president of WiCyS Phoenix and senior manager at Optiv; Susan Morris, co-owner of ABL Cyber Academy and Cogent Cyber Range; and Andrew Roberts, chief cybersecurity strategist at cStor, A MicroAge Company. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona ...

January 2023 episode | Mission Critical: Closing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap

The January 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Dara Gibson, AZ president of WiCyS Phoenix and senior manager at Optiv; Susan Morris, co-owner of ABL Cyber Academy and Cogent Cyber Range; and Andrew Roberts, chief cybersecurity strategist at cStor, A MicroAge Company. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona ...

December 2022 episode | The Key to Improving Tech Outcomes: Project Management

The December 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Mary Kirk, principal consultant and lead DEI at Allata; J.T. Moomau, vice president, solutions delivery at Per Scholas; and Joe Pusz, president, The PMO Squad. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the A...