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).
Episode Overview
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Arizona has quickly become one of the nation’s most important hubs for data center development. However, what does that growth really mean for our state, our communities and our future?
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). Together, they’ll explore how data centers intersect with water stewardship, energy use, workforce development and economic growth, while also addressing common misconceptions and community concerns. From rural siting decisions to sustainable cooling technologies, this conversation sheds light on how Arizona is balancing innovation, infrastructure and responsibility as demand for digital services continues to accelerate.
To listen to this and other episodes, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted.
Cepand Alizadeh |
Colton Brown |
Tom Maples, PE, LEED AP
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Cepand Alizadeh is a licensed attorney who recently joined the Arizona Technology Council as the association’s government relations specialist. A Washington, D.C.-area native and first-generation college student, Cepand attended the University of Virginia where he majored in Foreign Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies and Georgetown University, where he received a graduate degree in sports industry management. He moved to Arizona in 2012 to pursue his law degree at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. During law school, he served as the Executive Articles Editor for Jurimetrics, The Journal of Law, Science, and Technology.
After completing his legal studies, he began work in the realm of public affairs and public relations at Rose+Allyn Public and Online Relations where he played a critical role in developing campaign strategy, researching legislation, and leading community outreach efforts for numerous clients. As an individual who takes pride in working with individuals on both sides of the political aisle, Cepand served as City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s first Community Relations Director, has worked with Arizona Corporation Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson, and served as an advisor and aide for City of Tempe Councilmember Berdetta Hodge.
A fan of participating in political campaigns, Cepand has volunteered on over 20 campaigns in Arizona for candidates from all backgrounds who sought to be elected to municipal, county, state, and federal offices.
Colton Brown brings over 25 years of real estate experience to his role as VP of Strategy and Development at Aligned Data Centers, where he has spent the last nine years. Overseeing land and power procurement, Colton is currently spearheading Aligned’s innovative efforts to repurpose and remediate pre-existing sites. This strategic approach not only reduces costs and enhances sustainability but also revitalizes
communities and reclaims land for development amidst increasing scarcity. Prior to Aligned, Colton held senior leadership positions at prominent real estate firms including CBRE, DuPont Fabros Technology (NYSE: DFT), and GVA Williams, where he co-founded the data center practice group. He holds a BA in Philosophy and Politics & Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Tom Maples P.E. LEED AP has Bachelors and Masters degrees from MIT and has been in datacenter development for over 25 years. During his 19 years of Advanced Tech Arizona with DPR Construction they have worked with enterprise, developer and hyperscaler clients including Meta, Vantage Data Centers, Digital Realty, eBay/Paypal, Charles Schwab, APS, SRP, and TEP.
About AZTechCast
The official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, AZTechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Through the art of the connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s hosts and guests share success stories, tech news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to learn more or to listen to recent episodes.
About PADT, Inc.
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc. (PADT) is an engineering product and services company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing Numerical Simulation, Product Development, and 3D Printing solutions. The company is an Ansys Elite Channel Partner and a Stratasys Platinum Partner. They are also a channel partner for Flownex, EOS, and ZEISS #handsonmetrology. PADT’s worldwide reputation for technical excellence and experienced staff is based on its proven record of building long-term win-win partnerships with vendors and customers. Since its establishment in 1994, companies have relied on PADT because “We Make Innovation Work.” With over 90 employees, PADT services customers from its headquarters at the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe, Arizona, and from offices in Torrance, California, Lakewood, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico as well as through staff members located around the country. More information on PADT can be found at www.PADTINC.com.
