The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off

Guests:

• Jonathan Roll - Program Manager, Biz Dev, & Research Analyst ASU NewSpace (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee)
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanproll/
  • https://newspace.asu.edu/
• Toni Drummond - Founder & Managing Director, Future Flight Global; Partner Prestige Air Group (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee)
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-drummond-baa1987/
  • https://prestigeairgroup.com/
  • https://ffg.aero/
• Dan Geraci - President & CEO - CIT - Critical Infrastructure Technologies; Chairman of the Board of Directors The Planetary Society (also the 2026 AAS master of ceremonies)
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-geraci/

Abstract:

Arizona is rapidly emerging as a national leader in aerospace, aviation, space technologies, advanced air mobility, defense innovation and advanced manufacturing. With major investments, growing public-private partnerships, a strong military presence, world-class research institutions and a thriving innovation ecosystem, the state is becoming a destination for companies shaping the future of mobility, national security and space exploration.

In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Steven Zylstra sits down with three leaders deeply involved in Arizona’s aerospace ecosystem and the planning of the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit. Together, they explore why Arizona is uniquely positioned for growth, the convergence of aviation, space and defense industries, emerging technologies transforming the sector, workforce and supply chain challenges, and the opportunities ahead for companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

The conversation will also provide listeners with an inside look at the Arizona Aerospace Summit, including its integrated three-track format, Flightline, Orbitline and Frontline, and why bringing these sectors together creates new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and economic growth.

To listen to this episode, 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.

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

https://www.padtinc.com

Optics and photonics may not always be visible, but they are foundational to the technologies shaping our daily lives, from high-speed data centers and AI to healthcare breakthroughs, space exploration and national defense. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Eric Miller is joined by three leading voices in Arizona’s optics ecosystem to explore how light-based technologies are quietly powering innovation across industries.

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. The conversation highlights why Arizona has emerged as a global hub for optics innovation, and what’s needed to sustain that leadership amid workforce shortages, supply chain challenges and rapid technological change in the AI era.

To listen to this episode, 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.

Learn more about Optics and Photonics in Arizona through Optics Valley:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org/optics-valley-arizona/

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

https://www.aztechcouncil.org

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

https://www.padtinc.com

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. Featuring insights from Mark Sutter (Founder, Impact Sales Advisors), Jamie Munoz (Visionary, Catalyst Integrators) and Mark Yeager (President, Yeager Marketing), the conversation highlights how Arizona companies, from startups to scaling enterprises, can better align sales, marketing and leadership to stay competitive in an evolving market.

With Arizona’s rapid economic growth and increasingly competitive business landscape, the discussion dives into the importance of returning to core fundamentals, redefining market positioning for today’s B2B buyer and leveraging frameworks like EOS and fractional leadership to scale effectively. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to build a resilient pipeline, maximize inbound and outbound efforts and drive sustainable success across Arizona’s dynamic business ecosystem.

To listen to this episode, 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. Mark Sutter, ISA:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklsutter/

Jamie Munoz, Catalyst Integrators

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-munoz/
• https://www.catalystintegrators.com/

Mark Yeager, Yeager Marketing

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/markryeager/
• https://yeagermarketing.com/

You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel

• https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil

Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:

• https://www.aztechcouncil.org

Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:

• https://www.padtinc.com