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Mimms Museum Founders Win North Fulton Pioneer Award

April 29, 2026 by John Ray

Lonnie and Karin Mimms on Building the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art and Receiving the GNFCC North Fulton Pioneer Award (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113)

North Fulton Studio

Mimms Museum Founders Win North Fulton Pioneer Award

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Lonnie and Karin Mimms on Building the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art and Receiving the GNFCC North Fulton Pioneer Award (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113)

Lonnie and Karin Mimms, founders of the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art in Roswell, joined host Kali Boatright on GNFCC 400 Insider to discuss the museum’s growth, its newest Apple exhibit, and their recognition with the Greater North Fulton Chamber’s 2026 North Fulton Pioneer Award.

What began as Lonnie’s childhood fascination with computers grew into one of the world’s most significant private collections of computing artifacts. Rather than keep that collection private, the Mimms family built a museum designed to preserve technology history, tell the stories behind the machines, and inspire future innovators.

The conversation also explores why the museum has expanded beyond computers to include art, space exploration, supercomputing, education, and design. Karin Mimms shares why the museum’s broader identity led to the rebrand from the Computer Museum of America to the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art.

Kali, Lonnie, and Karin also discuss iNSPIRE: Fifty Years of Innovation from Apple, school field trips, summer camps, volunteer and internship opportunities, Museum After Hours, and the museum’s growing role as a Roswell and North Fulton destination.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Lonnie Mimms’ childhood interest in programming and electronics grew into one of the world’s most significant private collections of computing artifacts.
The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art reflects a broader mission that connects technology, art, science, design, education, and storytelling.
The iNSPIRE Apple exhibit gives visitors a relatable look at 50 years of innovation, from early computers to products that changed daily life.
The museum is built to inspire young people, families, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about what innovation makes possible.
Lonnie and Karin Mimms were honored with the 2026 North Fulton Pioneer Award for creating something new, lasting, and meaningful for the region.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to GNFCC 400 Insider
00:46 Lonnie and Karin Mimms and the 2026 North Fulton Pioneer Award
02:37 Lonnie’s early fascination with programming and computers
04:29 Electronics kits, Radio Shack, and a bedroom microcomputer
05:36 How a private collection became a public museum
06:39 Why technology and art belong together
08:16 The plumbing crisis that nearly delayed the museum’s opening
09:25 The staff, volunteers, and grit behind the launch
11:33 Why Roswell and North Fulton became the right home
13:30 Inspiring young people through exposure to technology and art
16:14 Why the stories behind the artifacts matter
17:40 iNSPIRE: Fifty Years of Innovation from Apple
18:50 A museum experience for three generations
19:34 Bringing pieces of Paul Allen’s Living Computer Museum to Roswell
21:26 Upcoming events, including David Pogue, camps, talks, and rotating exhibits
23:42 Volunteer and internship opportunities
25:37 Lonnie’s hope for the museum’s legacy
26:35 Karin on the work, risk, and persistence behind the dream
29:07 How to visit, follow, and support the Mimms Museum
30:26 Why the museum surprises people who think it is “just for nerds”
32:04 Closing thoughts from Kali Boatright

Mimms Museum of Technology and Art

The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art in Roswell was founded by Lonnie and Karin Mimms to preserve the history of computing, celebrate the connection between technology and art, and inspire future generations of innovators. Built from Lonnie’s more than 40 years of collecting and Karin’s background in education and storytelling, the museum brings together rare computing artifacts, immersive exhibits, art, design, software, documents, and cultural history.

The museum began with pop-up exhibits before opening its permanent Roswell location in 2019 as the Computer Museum of America. In 2025, it rebranded as the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art, reflecting a broader mission that reaches beyond computers alone. Its collections include everything from room-size supercomputers and personal computers to operating systems, games, engineering drawings, corporate records, marketing materials, and art shaped by technology.

At its core, the Mimms Museum exists to preserve the past in a way that sparks curiosity about the future. Its mission is to educate and inspire visitors of all ages by showing how human creativity, problem-solving, engineering, and artistic expression have shaped the digital world we live in today. The museum also emphasizes making technology careers more accessible, especially for students and underserved communities.

Website | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of its members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Conversations over Puzzles S2E4

December 21, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Conversations over Puzzles S2E4

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In this episode of The Future of Work,” Al Loveland and Kyle McIntosh discuss how co-working spaces catalyze unexpected collaborations, featuring guests Roseline Cristanelli and Kaci Fankhauser. Hear the career journeys of the two guests and how they had a successful collaboration on a STEM event for Taiwanese families, showcasing the positive impact of co-working environments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and engagement at Mac 6. The conversation explores additional personal stories like Kaci’s kickball league and Roseline’s joining and her other collaborations, illustrating the profound connections formed.

Explore the power of co-working spaces in fostering meaningful connections, diverse interactions, and personal growth in the “Conversations over Puzzles” episode. Discover firsthand the impact of community engagement and the essence of relationship building and giving back. Tune in for insights on connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, making this episode a must-listen for those seeking human connection and growth opportunities within a supportive community.

SciTech Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting STEM education and awareness in Arizona and beyond. It works to achieve this through some of the strongest STEM initiatives in Arizona, including the Arizona SciTech Festival, the Chief Science Officers program, regional STEM Hubs, statewide STEM working groups, Little Free STEM Libraries, and more.

Kaci Fankhauser was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and fell into doing research accidentally for the chance to just hang out with some butterflies.

She attended ASU and NAU and earned degrees in biology (BS), anthropology (minor), and environmental science and policy (MS) where she especially loved learning about the intersection of evolution and ecology.

For the past seven years she has worked for SciTech Institute, a STEM education nonprofit, where she strives toward making science a field that is accessible to and makes the world a better place for ALL people.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Reliance First Realty is a real estate brokerage in Tempe, AZ. Founded in 2013, starting out in residential real estate, it has expended to serving users/tenants and investors in commercial real estate in recent years. In addition to buying and selling, we also do property management.

Up to 2023, our main source of businesses has been from word-of-mouth. Deep rooted in the Tempe community, Reliance First Realty has been a member of Local First Arizona, long-term sponsor of Tempe Cares, and strong supporter of Childsplay.

Roseline Cristanelli came to United States from Taiwan in 1992 with two suitcases in pursuit of a degree in Library Science at State University of New York, Albany. She is the designated broker and owner of Reliance First Realty, a company she founded 10 years ago.

Prior to that, she was a librarian in the Metro Phoenix for more than 20 years. Among her accomplishments as a librarian, she is most proud of being the project manager that established the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, being a faculty member at Scottsdale Community College, and most recently the manager of StartUpPHX, formerly known as hive@central, at Phoenix Public Library.

In addition to serving her clients in their real estate transactions, she also serves on the Grievance Committee at Arizona REALTORS, chairs the Housing Opportunity Committee at Scottsdale REALTORS, and is the President-Elect of Women’s Council of REALTORS Arizona Southeast Valley Network.

She holds many real estate designations and certificates, from property management to real estate negotiation, because she believes education is one thing she can do to sharpen her skills to benefit her clients.

She is a graduate of Tempe Leadership Class 29 and member of Kiwanis Club of Tempe. She has two sons, ages 30 and 14, and lives with her husband Tony and teenage son Louis in Tempe.

Connect with Roseline on LinkedIn and follow Reliance First Realty on Facebook.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK

Welcome to Future of Work Radio Show and Podcast – where business leaders share how they integrate humanity and technology through innovative approaches, healthy culture, flexible workspaces and seamless virtual technology.

ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS

With a focus in marketing and a background in various for profit and not for profit companies, including much professional and volunteer work, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?”

From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through MAC6.

Albert Loveland has joined the MAC⁶ Team full-time. Al will be helping us to takeMAC⁶ to the next level as Vice President of Operations(and, for all of you who are familiar with EOS, as the MAC⁶Integrator).

Al brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and operational efficiency, first working for JPMorgan Chase for fifteen years and then, for the past decade, with his own consulting business working with small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs.

Al has been working from MAC⁶ as a community member for five years now, acting as the unofficial ‘Mayor of MAC⁶’and helping every day to make this community a great place to be. Please join us in congratulating him as the now Official Mayor of MAC⁶ and as an integral new part of our team!

To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on LinkedIn and Facebook.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

MAC⁶ offers flexible spaces and programs to help your team grow, and a community of thriving businesses, just like yours. Advocating Capitalism as a Force for Good, MAC6 is Accelerating the shift to Conscious Capitalism (where Purpose and Profit Unite) through Creativity, Collaboration, Community and Change.

Alberto Esparza with IRise Foundation

October 12, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Alberto Esparza with IRise Foundation

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Alberto Esparza with IRise Foundation

IRise Foundation is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to providing STEM education to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Alberto Esparza founded Si Se Puede Foundation in 1993 and retired from the organization in December 2021 to pursue other career opportunities and create the I Rise Foundation and which will continue to provide STEM and other educational programs to girls of color, Native American Youth and support LGBTQ+ Initiatives.

Alberto earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and obtained his master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. His efforts teaching young people the importance of education is on-going as has and will continue to develop the next generation of community leaders and engineers.

Alberto has served on several volunteer boards and commissions, including the Phoenix Human Relations Commission (HRC) and as co-founder of the City of Phoenix national award-winning cultural diversity program, “We’re all on the Same Team.” While serving on the HRC, he served as ambassador for cultural diversity by promoting opportunities for positive exchange among diverse groups through community outreach, education and cultural diversity awareness.

Over the last thirty-four years, Alberto has been a bridge builder and leader in providing community programs that improve the quality of life and strengthen communities, families and youth in the Phoenix East Valley. Alberto is highly visible in low-income communities within the East Valley, listening to the needs of the residents and providing programs that empower children and families to enrich their lives by participating in programs such as STEM/Robotics and other educational programs offered by the I Rise Foundation.

Under Alberto’s 34-year leadership, approximately 30,000 youth and community residents have left with a life-changing experience. Alberto takes pride in serving underserved populations and looks forward to expanding the STEM/Robotics and Scholars Programs to other communities in Arizona. Alberto’s charisma and ingenuity has opened doors to unlimited opportunities for encouraging communities to become more active in providing children with the necessary tools to be successful.

Connect with Alberto on Facebook.

Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

August 29, 2022 by Karen

Building-the-Pipeline-of-STEM-Talent-for-Tomorrows-Workforce-Needs-E2Building-the-Pipeline-of-STEM-Talent-for-Tomorrows-Workforce-Needs-feature

AZ TechCast

Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

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Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29

It’s no secret that Arizona is an attractive place for technology companies to call home. But with more technology companies being founded locally and relocating to Arizona from out-of-state, how can we ensure we have enough qualified technology talent to fill highly technical positions?

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 Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, in discussing the importance of STEM education in building the pipeline of technology talent for today and tomorrow’s workforce needs.

Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of STEM experts spoke about how the growing number of technology companies calling Arizona home is creating an intensified demand for qualified talent to fill technical roles. But to hire talent effectively, our panel of experts recommended shifting the conversation away from “developing the pipeline of STEM talent” and towards focusing on students and their career pathways.

FreeFall Aerospace is developing innovative antenna solutions for space and ground systems. Expertise derived from radio astronomy at the University of Arizona and planetary exploration research from NASA JPL provides a new perspective on the challenges of high-frequency satellite communication.

FreeFall is proud to have received the Startup Innovator of the Year Award from the Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Technology Council.

Julie Bonner, Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s innovative antenna systems. She’s developed branding and marketing campaigns for national corporations like Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor to more Arizona-based start-ups and non-profits.

She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for significantly impacting the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements, and personal qualities. She is the Chair of the Women in the Workforce of the Arizona Technology Council, an organizer for CreativeMornings/Tucson, and is active in Local First Arizona and Start-Up Tucson.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and an MBA.

Follow FreeFall Aerospace on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Avondale Elementary School District was established in 1894. We have the highest percentage of A rated schools in the Southwest Valley. Located west of Phoenix, our district is home to nine schools ranging from preschool through eighth grade with several magnet programs.

We have been recognized at the national and state level for our passion and commitment for educational excellence. Having obtained numerous A ratings for our schools, we continue to be a leader in public education. We are proud to be the district of choice.

Dr. Betsy Hargrove has been the Superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District (AESD) since 2012 after having served as the Assistant Superintendent since March 2009. She provides ongoing leadership in creating a positive climate of high expectations for all involved with the educational programs of the district.

She also works to engage in the continuous improvement of the Avondale educational community by implementing and monitoring the achievement of district goals and mission for every student to grow as a thinker, problem solver and communicator to pursue a future without limits. Ensuring this mission is reached, Dr. Hargrove and her team actively seek opportunities to build relationships with community stakeholders, business people and civic leaders to make connections within the district and sites.

The Avondale Elementary School District has embedded continuous improvement focus in all systems throughout the organization. Layering of high yield instructional practices, job embedded professional development, focused and collaborative accountability, and teacher and leader empowerment has demonstrated ongoing success. The result is that AESD has outperformed the state in growth in achievement four years in a row.

Dr. Hargrove has presented at the American Educational Research Association, Character Education Forum, National Staff Development Council Mega Conference, TAP National Conferences, 21st Century STEM Conference, Arizona School Administrators, National School Board Association, U.S. News STEM Solutions National Leadership Conference, School Connect Summit and American Association of School Administrators to share this approach and highlight the successes of the Avondale Elementary School District. Beyond the shared professional and academic accomplishments of the entire AESD community, Dr. Hargrove is most proud of her two daughters, Morgan and Clare.

Follow The Avondale Elementary School District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival.

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Claire Conway serves as the Arizona STEM Ecosystem Programs Manager at SciTech Institute. In her role, she collaborates with STEM partners in industry, education, nonprofit, government, and community organizations across Arizona to develop regional STEM hubs that connect and align efforts in our local communities. She also coordinates statewide working groups on the future STEM workforce and STEM programming in Arizona libraries. As a facilitator of the Arizona STEM Ecosystem, she is a connection point between students such as the Chief Science Officers, educators, out-of-school programs, workforce opportunities, and industry experts.

Claire holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California, where she conducted research in biomaterials and nanomedicine and coordinated volunteer programming for the university. An Arizona native and lifelong STEM enthusiast, she is passionate about fostering a STEM community where ALL students are able to chase their passions and access the many opportunities our state has to offer.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.

About Your Hosts

Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.

Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.

Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.

Bianca also worked as Senior Marketing Manager at SEED SPOT, a social impact incubator that educates, accelerates, and invests in impact-driven entrepreneurs creating market-based solutions to social problems. In January of 2020, Bianca was selected as an awardee of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange Program and traveled to the African island of Mauritius to run entrepreneurship programming for 15 impact-driven ecopreneurs on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Bianca has also completed comprehensive consulting projects for IBM, ESAN Business School, and the Peruvian government, and interned at the Arizona House of Representatives and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.

Bianca earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2017. She is an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler always planning her next trip.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Exploring Nature in Arizona E24

June 29, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Exploring Nature in Arizona E24

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Exploring Nature in Arizona E24

This month’s episode of STEM Unplugged we’re joined by Jacob Draper and Justin Eddinger from Ecoculture: The Reforestation Network, who will be sharing all about Green Drone AZ, a collaborative project that engages middle and high school students in ongoing conservation efforts on public lands using drones and GIS technologies. SciTech Institute is a collaborative nonprofit organization making STEM connections in Arizona and beyond.

During the month of June, SciTech Institute has highlighted why we should spend time Exploring Nature in Arizona and beyond. Justin and Jacob both share about their journeys in STEM along with one misconception that drives them crazy about nature in Arizona!

SciTech Institute encourages you to get outside and experience nature!

Ecoculture develops landscape restoration projects that promote a culture of conservation. The core of their process is scaling up landscape restoration in cooperation with local communities to achieve meaningful ecological and social benefits.

In doing so, they develop regional networks that incubate green jobs and entrepreneurs, educational programs that foster the next generation of environmental thinkers and doers, and design new technologies that increase restoration effectiveness.

Driven by broad community participation, their approach creates economic synergies and strengthens long-term sustainability of their projects.

Justin Eddinger has been working in the field of natural resource management for seven years. After earning degrees in Environmental Resource Management and Geographic Information Systems at Arizona State University, he spent five years working with the USDA Forest Service on the Tonto National Forest.

With the Forest Service, Justin started as a range technician, performing vegetation utilization studies on cattle grazing allotments. Later, he joined the GIS department on theTonto National Forest and finished his time working as an interdisciplinary natural resource specialist. He also served as the Wilderness and Trails Coordinator and a member of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team.

Justin joined the Ecoculture team at Northern Arizona University in 2020. There, he is currently a restoration project manager and co manages the Lower Salt River Restoration Project as well as the Green Drone AZ educational outreach program. He also handles GIS operations for the Ecoculture Team, managing databases related to projects spanning from Arizona and Colorado to Puerto Rico.

Justin has a passion for the outdoors and loves to explore the intersection of technology and the natural world.

Jacob Draper has been working in the field of natural resource management for seven years. He completed an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Ecology from Arizona State University and spent over two years working with the USDA Forest Service on the Tonto National Forest. Jacob spent his time as a rangeland technician, performing vegetation utilization studies on cattle grazing allotments. During the summer months he assisted in wildfire operations as an Equipment Manager Trainee.

Jacob left the Tonto National Forest in 2017 to work for Terracon, a consulting firm. He started as an assistant scientist and was later promoted to field scientist. Jacob worked on over 100 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects focusing on biological assessments related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). He then moved into environmental remediation where he focused on soil, water, and vapor sampling at current and former commercial and industrial properties.

Jacob joined the Ecoculture team at Northern Arizona University in 2019. He is currently a restoration project manager and co-manages the Lower Salt River Restoration Project as well as the Green Drone AZ educational outreach program.

Jacob is the licensed Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot for Ecoculture and is responsible for UAS data collection. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and anything that will get him outdoors. Jacob continues to research ways to integrate technology into primitive fields like conservation and hopes to inspire others along the way.

Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn and follow Ecoculture on Facebook.

About Our Sponsor

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your STEM Unplugged Hosts

After grow up in rural New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

She also enlisted in the United States Army and after graduating from training, Kelly traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, she fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air. During this deployment, she had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching. From 6th grade Math to 7th grade STEM, Kelly used her enthusiastic nature combined with her strong classroom management to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process!

Now, as the Chief Operating Officer at SciTech Institute, Kelly is excited to serve the communities in Arizona and beyond to share their interest in STEM!

Claire Conway is the STEM Ecosystem Programs Manager at SciTech Institute.

Connect with Claire on LinkedIn.

Workforce Development: Cultivating Arizona’s Tech Talent Future E13

May 10, 2021 by Karen

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AZ TechCast

Workforce Development: Cultivating Arizona’s Tech Talent Future E13

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Workforce Development: Cultivating Arizona’s Tech Talent Future E13

While technology and innovation bring new solutions to life, it can sometimes result in unforeseen challenges and opportunities. Although the IT and cybersecurity industry is the fastest-growing sector in the state, there are currently more than 7,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in Arizona alone. As a result of this exponential sector growth, many of Arizona’s IT and cyber companies are faced with a huge talent gap. For Arizona to fulfill its destiny as a world-class tech hub, it will need to prioritize an outcome-driven approach to meet industry and employer needs in IT and cybersecurity.

Moderated by Phoenix Business RadioX, a distinguished panel of tech leaders recently joined AZTechCast for an engaging discussion on scalable solutions and comprehensive resources to not only address Arizona’s tech-talent shortage, but to create a digital destination to explore career opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, training programs and scholarships to build the region’s talent pipeline and close the gap between students and industry.

Arizona’s tech industry is thriving! Unfortunately, the sector is challenged by a shortage of skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals. To maintain the state’s trajectory and economic recovery, a group of distinguished tech leaders shared insight on the specific jobs that are the most in-demand in Arizona’s tech sector, what outcome-driven approaches Arizona companies and key stakeholders are taking to address this tech-talent deficit, as well as the collaborative efforts that are helping to drive meaningful workforce development for Arizona’s IT/cyber sector.

The Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance, Inc. (ACTRA) serves as the hub for collaborative cyber information sharing in a neutral environment of trust where partners from industry, academia, law enforcement and intelligence come together, leveraging cross-sector resources to more effectively analyze critical, real-time intelligence and respond to emerging cyber threats to Arizona’s Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources. Visit https://www.actraaz.org to learn more.

Frank Grimmelmann serves as President & CEO for the Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance (ACTRA), a non-profit entity, that was developed collaboratively with the FBI’s Arizona InfraGard Program and independently launched in 2013 to enable its private/public sector members to enable themselves to respond to the escalating national cybersecurity threat.

Grimmelmann co-chairs Gov. Doug Ducey’s AZ Cybersecurity Team (ACT) and is a founding member of President Obama’s National ISAO Leadership Group at the University of Texas San Antonio.

As ACTRA’s leader, Grimmelmann was the first private-sector representative in the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center on its executive board. He has held C-level positions in finance, health care and government, focusing on cybersecurity in response to 9/11. He holds an MBA in finance/international business from UC Berkeley, and a BA in operations with a business law minor from the University of South Florida.

Pipeline AZ is a career development and exploration platform designed for the Arizona community, to create more pathways to in-demand careers by connecting the dots between industry and education.

Pipeline AZ uses skills mapping technology to help job seekers begin a new path, level-up in their existing careers, explore work or work-based learning opportunities, and discover new passions that change their career trajectory.

For employers, Pipeline AZ is a valuable recruiting tool that features high-quality candidate matching, free job posting, and white-glove concierge case management service to assemble candidate pools with the skills needed to build their talent pipeline. Learn more at PipelineAZ.com.

Katherine Pappas is an executive leader with 17+ years of experience designing workforce strategies, wellbeing focused environments, enhancing and transforming culture, innovating and streamlining relevant strategies and developing people.

Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn and follow PEI Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter.

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a private and family-owned university that merges the values of the traditional academy with the modern technology campus, a fusion that enhances its ability to fulfill the mission of educating students in the fields of advancing technology who innovate for the future.

At the heart of UAT’s curricula is a technology-infused campus in Tempe, Arizona. This fusion of the traditional academy with the technology-focused curricula creates a distinct, non-exclusionary university in which students learn to value their own uniqueness and the power of technology in education. Visit https://www.uat.edu to learn more.

Provost Bolman has focused his career upon the profound need for a substantial and diverse workforce within Arizona and the nation.

As its long-standing provost, Dr. Bolman has built the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) into a unique, all-STEM institution that marries the best of a traditional, small, private college with the genetics of innovation that come with agile technology organizations.

As an educator, he has focused on cultivating a base of technology students and future inventors. As a technologist, he has worked to create a university where the culture of innovation and creation is so regular and celebrated that the goal for each student is to graduate having worked on numerous teams and built complete solutions again and again.

Dr. Bolman has researched, written and spoken on the nature of technology and how to successfully lead innovation. He is an alumni of Valley Leadership and currently serves as its past board chair. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council and the AZPBS community board.

Follow UAT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

About Your Hosts

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

February 4, 2021 by Karen

AZ TechCast

How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

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How 2020 Changed the World and Optimism for the Future E10

When the world celebrated the dawn of a new decade with a blaze of fireworks, parties and revelry on January 1, 2020, few could have imagined what the year had in store. It was a year that changed the world like no other for at least a generation, possibly since World War II. Businesses folded. Schools and colleges shut. Live sport was cancelled. Commercial airline travel contracted. Shops, clubs, bars and restaurants closed. Social inequities were exposed. And human interaction went virtual.

Moderated by Phoenix Business Radio Owner & President Karen Nowicki, a distinguished panel of technology leaders from KEO Marketing, the University of Advancing Technology and PADT, Inc. had an engaging discussion with Arizona Technology Council CEO Steve Zylstra on how the world can rebuild following such a tumultuous year, the new technology to get us there, and the innovative Arizona companies that helped pull us through and gave us optimism for the future.

Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to view the blog and listen to the replay.

KEO Marketing, a leading B2B marketing agency in Phoenix, is committed to developing marketing strategies and plans that help clients succeed. Some of the world’s largest brands depend on KEO Marketing for marketing programs that deliver tangible and substantial results.

Led by business growth and B2B marketing expert, Sheila Kloefkorn, KEO Marketing Inc. specializes in innovative marketing strategies that deliver results. Some of these solutions include lead generation and nurturing, integrated marketing, marketing automation, inbound marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, search marketing, email marketing, creative, video marketing, website design and development, app development, online and traditional advertising, local and mobile marketing and much more.

Visit https://keomarketing.com to elevate your marketing strategies and drive growth for your business.

Sheila Kloefkorn is CEO and President of KEO Marketing, a full service B2B marketing agency. The company specializes in marketing strategy, messaging, digital infrastructure, execution and analytics. KEO Marketing grows Fortune 1000 companies and mid-market businesses.

Kloefkorn was recently named one of the “Top 10 Business Leaders of the Year” and “Top 25 Dynamic Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and one of 15 Arizonans to Watch by the Arizona Republic.

In addition, she is past President of the Phoenix Chapter of the Business Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association. She is a frequent national and local speaker on a wide range of marketing and business topics.

Follow KEO Marketing on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Visit https://www.uat.edu to learn more.

Provost Bolman has focused his career upon the profound need for a substantial and diverse workforce within Arizona and the nation.

Follow UAT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PADT, Inc. is a globally recognized engineering product and services company that focuses on helping customers who develop physical products by providing numerical simulation, product development and 3D printing solutions.

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, Ariz., and from offices in Torrance, California, Littleton, Colorado, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Austin, Texas, and Murray, Utah, as well as through staff members located around the country.

More information on PADT can be found at www.PADTINC.com.

Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, Inc., which provides tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has lived in Arizona since 1986. He started his career focusing on the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate turbine engine components. Over the years he became recognized as an expert user of the ANSYS software tools, solid modeling, and the development of custom software to automate the product simulation and design process.

As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric was able to also pursue his interests in IT, graphic design, 3D Printing, database programming, and small business management. As both PADT and the use of advanced engineering tools grew, Eric became exposed to dozens of different industries and developed his broad understanding of the application of technology for product development and manufacturing.

After over three decades in the industry, Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D printing as well as on startups and the high-tech sector. His outside commitments include the Chairman of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, the BioAccel Advisory Council and Board of Directors, an Entrepreneur in Residence with the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the screening committee of Arizona Technology Investors. He also contributes regularly to the Phoenix Business Journal blog and hosts the All Things ANSYS podcast.

In his spare time Eric enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and follow PADT on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Show

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

About Your Hosts

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Exploring Computer Science E9

December 10, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Exploring Computer Science E9

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Exploring Computer Science E9

In this episode of STEM Unplugged, we explore Computer Science to celebrate community partners and CSEd Week. Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

Our guests, Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost of the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) and Chuck Vermillion, CEO of AccountabilIT share insights regarding Computer Science, the current state of Cyber Security and ways to support each other in the community.

CSO Valentina, an 8th grader, leads the discussion on AI and a shift in styles of education through the use of technology. Dave and Chuck share why a career in Computer Science, especially Cyber Security is growing across the state. Tune in to learn about why being an accountant has also helped Chuck be a better CEO and how much of a tech geek Dr. Bolman really is on this episode.

Arizona Technology Council – Tech Connect and the partnership with the members has led to incredible opportunities for CSOs and SciTech Insitute as a growing STEM Ecosystem.

UAT is an elite, intimate, private technology University focused on educating students in advancing technology who desire to innovate for our future. Our technology infused, urban campus in Tempe, Ariz., is a technology nexus; a collection of technophiles, tech geeks and mavens of the digital world that evolve into top technology executives, master programmers, cyber warriors, forensic sleuths, robotic engineers, interactive filmmakers, and game innovators for entertainment and government animation applications.

UAT’s academic majors focus on expanding, new and rising technology such as the Advancing Computer Science degree, Cyber Security degree, Emerging Technology degree and Robotics and Embedded Systems degree. This technology College has the elite status of being among a select few 100 percent STEM-based universities in the nation.

Our unrivaled computer science degree programs are a benchmark of success within academia. UAT is an ideal environment for technology degree students who value uniqueness and the power of advancing technology as well as the rigors of a traditional education.

Provost Bolman has focused his career upon the profound need for a substantial and diverse workforce within Arizona and the nation. As its long-standing provost, Dr. Bolman has built the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) into a unique, all-STEM institution that marries the best of a traditional, small, private college with the genetics of innovation that come with agile technology organizations. As an educator, he has focused on cultivating a base of technology students and future inventors.

As a technologist, he has worked to create a University where the culture of innovation and creation is so regular and celebrated that the goal for each student is to graduate having worked on numerous teams and built complete solutions again and again.

Dr. Bolman has researched, written and spoken on the nature of technology and how to successfully lead innovation. He is an alumnus of Valley Leadership and currently serves as its Past Board Chair. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council and the AZPBS community board.

Connect with Dr. Bolman on LinkedIn and follow UAT on Facebook and Twitter.

AccountabilIT (pronounced as Accountability) is a Scottsdale based provider of Managed Information Technology and Managed Security Services. They focus on providing services leveraging mature and repeatable processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

AccountabilIT is ranked number 88 in MSSP’s magazine’s top 200 Managed Security Services Providers in the World!

Chuck Vermillion is an industry pioneer in the Information Technology Managed Services space, as a CEO in the industry for over 23 years. In 2016 Chuck founded AccountabilIT as a MSP and MSSP focused in the Phoenix market. Since that time, AccountabilIT has grown by adding 2 offices in Arkansas and an office in San Diego.

Prior to AccountabilIT, Chuck was the CEO and Founder of OneNeck IT Services, a Managed Services Provider managing Enterprise Applications for large enterprises across the United States. In 2011, Chuck sold OneNeck to TDS Telecom, a Fortune 500 Telecommunications Company.

Follow AccountabilIT on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Our Sponsor

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your STEM Unplugged Host

After graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.

After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!

She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.

Valentina Lopez is a 3rd year Chief Science Officer currently attending Basis Goodyear.

She is passionate about STEM, as well as advocating for her peers and positively impacting her community.

Pam Balentine, Viking CPA Group, and Anna Clapper, Deep Blue Aquatics

November 5, 2019 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Pam Balentine, Viking CPA Group, and Anna Clapper, Deep Blue Aquatics

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**John Ray, Pam Balentine, and Anna Clapper**

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 175: Pam Balentine, Viking CPA Group, and Anna Clapper, Deep Blue Aquatics

A small business “CPA with a personality” and a professional mermaid for your next corporate event were featured on this edition of “North Fulton Business Radio” as Pam Balentine, Viking CPA Group, and Anna Clapper, Deep Blue Aquatics, joined the show. “North Fulton Business Radio” is hosted by John Ray and is broadcast from inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Pam Balentine, Viking CPA Group

Pam Balentine is founder of Viking CPA Group, which services small to mid-size business owners, assisting them with tax, accounting, and consulting needs. She prides herself on being a value add to her clients and forming relationships. Pam helps clients understand their business numbers and how to use them to make key growth decisions. She assists clients with strategies to incorporate operations and processes with financials to ensure a low risk, effective, and efficient business.

Pam earned bachelor and master’s degrees in accounting from Michigan State University, and started her career at the prestigious EY in the Detroit office. She continued her career in auditing at various Fortune 500 companies. While working in internal audit, Pam started Viking CPA Group in March of 2013. She is a former adjunct accounting professor at Kennesaw State University. Pam describes herself as the CPA with personality.

To learn more, go to the Viking CPA Group website, email Pam directly, or call 404-850-0326.

Anna Clapper, Deep Blue Aquatics

Anna Clapper is a professional aquatic performer and owner of Deep Blue Aquatics in Columbia, SC. She has made appearances at events all across the Southeast. She not only provides exceptional mermaid and aquatic performance entertainment, but also offers personalized dive instruction, aquatic safety workshops, and life-saving certification courses upon request. She has nearly 15 years of diving experience and is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. As a PADI Master Freediver and Freediving Instructor, Anna has a recorded breath hold of over three and a half minutes. She can safely perform in open water and confined water environments using both breath hold diving and surface supply scuba systems. Anna has more than 20 years of training in a variety of dance styles, making her a skilled underwater model and performer.

In addition to diving, Anna is a published scientist. She works closely with local organizations as an advocate for conservation and STEM education. In her spare time, Anna is also a volunteer diver at the South Carolina Aquarium (in her human form). And, as you might have guessed, her favorite sea creatures are jellyfish.

To learn more, go to the Deep Blue Aquatics website, email Anna directly, or call 843-289-0033.

North Fulton Business Radio” is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®, located inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with approximately $12.9 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.