Episode Overview

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Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges and celebrate its rapid growth.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re joined by 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. Together, they discuss why Arizona has become the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor investment, what the move of SEMICON West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversations at this year’s show.

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Vic Narusis Arizona Commerce Authority

Martijn Pierik Kiterocket

Joe Stockunas SEMI Americas

Vic Narusis serves as the Executive Vice President of Industry Development for the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). Mr. Narusis oversees key initiatives such as the development of Science Foundation Arizona, as well as provide executive oversight and support in areas like semiconductors, aerospace and defense, space, business development and other strategic efforts. Prior to joining the ACA, Mr. Narusis has spent over two decades in economic development for various organizations including the State of Illinois, the Delta Regional Authority, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, and Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Narusis also spent over 20 years working in real estate development and commercial banking. Mr. Narusis holds BS from Marquette University, an MBA from St. Louis University, and a Certificate in Public Administration from Clemson University.

Martijn Pierik brings nearly 30 years of experience in public relations, journalism and marketing to support Kiterocket’s growing technology and innovation practice. He provides high-level strategic counsel to the agency’s technology clients and supports business development efforts to drive agency and client growth. Martijn holds degrees in International Business Management and Marketing from Hanze Polytechnic University in the Netherlands and Northern Arizona University.

As President of SEMI Americas, Joe Stockunas leads efforts to increase the value SEMI Americas delivers to members, directs North America sales and services, and drives events and programs. He alsos advocate for the microelectronics industry as part of the SEMI Global Leadership Team. Before joining SEMI, Stockunas served as executive vice president and corporate officer of Nordson Corporation, a leading global precision technology supplier, overseeing the company’s worldwide electronics systems business. Prior to Nordson, Stockunas worked at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. for more than 30 years and held leadership positions in the materials and equipment business units of its Electronics Division. Stockunas previously served on the SEMI North America Advisory Board, SEMI Board of Industry Leaders, the Nordson Corporate Foundation and SEMI Foundation boards. He also served on global and non-profit boards of organizations including Showa Denko K.K., Kawasaki, The Bethlehem Historic Partnership, Hanyang Technologies, TriMEGA Electronics LLC, and the American Red Cross. Stockunas received a B.S. in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering and completed his graduate studies at Lehigh University.

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.

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