TechCast Archives - Arizona Technology Council

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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...

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...

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 ...

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, ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

November 2022 episode | Successfully Doing Business with the Public Sector

The November 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Ed Jimenez, director, State Procurement Office, State of Arizona; Paul Robles, sales executive, State and Local Government, Google Cloud; and Jennifer Woods, president, Traversant Group. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra,...

October 2022 episode | Historic Firsts: Arizona and the James Webb Telescope

The October 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Erik Novak, general manager at 4D Technology; Marcia Rieke, professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona; and Fred Van Milligen, vice president, research and development at VIAVI Solutions. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve...

September 2022 episode | Strategic Analysis: Using Technology to Stay Adaptable

The September 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Julie Gable, CEO and founder of BusinessWhys; Bob Interdonato, general manager at Lumen; and Melati Lee-Parker, founder and CEO of Macroscope Studios. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Bianca Buliga, director of marketing and communic...

August 2022 episode | Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs

The August 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Julie Bonner, director of communications at FreeFall Aerospace; Claire Conway, Arizona STEM ecosystem programs manager at SciTech Institute; and Betsy Hargrove, superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Busi...

July 2022 episode | Digital Transformation of Operational Workflows

The July 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts including Kristen Harder, digital marketing manager at ZorroSign, Steve Irons, president of DocSolid; and Tiffany Ma, senior solution consultant at OneStream Software. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona...

June 2022 episode | Exploring Arizona’s Entrepreneurial Support Hubs

The June 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured startup ecosystem experts including Stephanie Bermudez, founder & CEO of Startup Unidos; Eric Smith, executive director of The University of Arizona Center for Innovation; and Diana Vowels, CEO of StartupAZ. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, ...

May 2022 episode | Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market

The May 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured proptech experts including Ryan Egan, founder and CEO of Stackhouse; Bill Gleason, vice president of business development at ApostleTech; and Dusty Parsons, chief marketing officer at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and St...

April 2022 episode | How to Hire Technology Talent More Inclusively

The April 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured e-commerce experts including Angela Hughey, president, ONE Community; Biju Menon, CEO, FairHire; Steve Tepper, executive director, Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and Erica Young, enterprise solutions architect, SHRM. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix ...

March 2022 episode | Using E-Commerce to Expand Your Online Presence

The March 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's TechCast podcast featured e-commerce experts including Amory Borromeo, director of Technology Operations & Talent at Carvana; John Lott, founder & CEO of e-Commerce Industry Council and chief financial officer of SpearmintLOVE; Honey Olesen, director of operations at atmosol; and Brad Wheeler, senior director of Customer Strategy at Eme...

February 2022 episode | Using Public Safety Tech to Improve Community Relations

The February 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's TechCast podcast featured public safety experts including Lauren M. Cziok, North America public safety lead at Accenture; Jason Hartford, vice president of Axon devices at Axon; Gretchen Peri, senior director at Slalom and Robin S. Reed, co-founder and principal at EmFluent, LLC and president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. ...

January 2022 episode | Blockchain: The Key to Accelerating Technological Workflows

The January 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's TechCast podcast featured blockchain experts including U.S. Representative David Schweikert, Scott Carlson, Head of Blockchain & Digital Asset Security at Kudelski Security; and Dragan Boscovic, Research Professor at Arizona State University. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, Council president and CEO, and Bianca Buliga, Council Dir...

December 2021 episode | 2021: A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review

In the Arizona Technology Council’s December 2021 episode of TechCast, Phoenix Business RadioX owner and president Karen Nowicki was joined by Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC); Joe Snell, president and CEO of Sun Corridor, Inc.; Vic Narusis, senior vice president of Business Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority; and Steve Zylstra, presid...

November 2021 episode | How Arizona Became the U.S.’s New ‘Semiconductor Central’

Semiconductors are the nation’s fifth-largest export, accounting for $49 billion in 2020. As the U.S. looks to increase chip production and fulfill its semiconductor needs on its own, Arizona is quickly emerging as a base for the industry’s growth and success. In fact, Arizona has skyrocketed to No. 3 in the nation with 107 semiconductor establishments operating here including Intel, TSMC, ...

October 2021 episode | Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector

Made in Arizona. It’s a phrase that is becoming more familiar as the state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and add a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing jobs. Between the development of technologies improving efficiency and reducing costs, automation of manufacturing processes and a business-friendly climate, Arizona’s manufacturing landscape is being recognized on a natio...

September 2021 episode | Transformative BioScience Innovations Shaping Southern Arizona

Over the past few decades, Southern Arizona has become a hotspot of bioscience innovation. Through continued collaboration, investments in education and research and a unified bioscience development strategy, our panel of experts asserts that Southern Arizona’s bioscience industry will only continue flourishing. In the Arizona Technology Council’s September 2021 episode of AZTechCas...

August 2021 episode | Hypersonics: Fostering Innovation & Research at Mach 5

According to our panel of experts, Arizona is the place to learn hypersonics. With the state legislature focused on new economy initiatives, innovative schools and universities a stone’s throw away and a growing pool of aerospace and defense companies, Arizona is poised to play a pivotal role in protecting the country’s national security. In the Arizona Technology Council’s Au...