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 Overview
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Arizona’s Aerospace, Aviation, Space and Defense (AASD) sectors are reaching new heights, and the demand for a highly skilled local workforce has never been greater. In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re joined by Thomas “Tom” Wilson from the SciTech Institute, Kate Lemke from Pipeline AZ and Jonathan Roll from ASU’s NewSpace Initiative to explore the collaborative efforts underway to build a future-ready AASD talent pipeline. From launching the AASD Industry Hub to developing innovative tools like skills maps and career pathways, these experts share how they’re bridging the gap between education and industry, and how employers can play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Arizona’s high-tech workforce.
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Kate Lemke |
Jonathan Roll |
Tom Wilson |
Kate Lemke serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Pipeline AZ, where she plays a central role in expanding the industry hub solution within Pipeline AZ’s career-connected education portfolio. Kate’s work is characterized by her dedication to creating career paths and opportunities for Arizonans. Her keen ability to foster career development and cultivate talent aligns with her commitment to addressing critical workforce needs. Kate’s holistic approach extends to forging strategic partnerships with industry and education systems, aligning resources to drive positive outcomes. She actively contributes to the retention of young talent, building career pathways that support economic mobility, and addressing the vital recruitment and retention needs of professionals in the region. Kate loves learning and has a BA in Community Leadership and Development and an MBA from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI, with an ongoing pursuit of a Doctorate in Education, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Through collaboration and strategic initiatives, Kate is dedicated to working together to retain and advance professionals in Arizona, ensuring a thriving workforce that meets the evolving needs of the community.
Jonathan Roll is a Project Coordinator at both ASU’s NewSpace Initiative and Knowledge Enterprise units. Under these roles, he helps connect university R&D talent and assets with space industry partners, organizes events around state innovation and workforce development, and leads various research analysis projects on aerospace and emerging technological domains. He received a Master’s of Technology & Science Policy from ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society in 2022 and a B.A. in Government & International Politics from George Mason University in 2009. His policy analysis work has often focused on the interface of geopolitics and the commercialization of the space industry. His current work is informed from prior professional experience in governmental, entertainment, and operations management sectors. Jonathan is also co-chair of the Arizona Technology Council’s Aerospace, Aviation, Space, and Defense (AASD) Committee.
Tom Wilson is a former faculty member from the University of Arizona with over 20 years of experience in course instruction, curriculum development, and assessment. He has been with SciTech Institute for just over 3 years and in his current role facilitates the Cochise and Pima County STEM ecosystems, develops resources to connect education and workforce, and is involved in the workforce planning for the state climate action plan.
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.
