PHOENIX, AZ — (Marketwire) — 08/02/11 — In a move designed to sustain the momentum it has gained in driving technology development, economic growth and high-wage job creation in Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona, the () today announced that it has appointed as the new director of the Tucson Regional Office, effective August 22, 2011.
Harris will assume the role currently held by , who is departing to enter the at The University of Arizona where he will focus his research on the study of technology transfer and commercialization. In his new endeavor, Williams will serve as a graduate research assistant to , regents and Soldwedel professor in the Center for Management of Information. Williams, who is also an alumnus of the nation-s top-ranked , will remain closely connected to the Council in an emeritus role and continue the effort to launch , a community initiative to help foster a robust startup community in Tucson.
“The Council, along with business, education and government in Southern Arizona, as well as the State legislature, Governor-s office and economic development efforts, have all made significant commitments to the creation of a growing, healthy and vibrant high-tech economy,” said , president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “While we look forward to leveraging Jim-s deep roots in the Tucson community, his extensive technology background and proven entrepreneurial experience, we wish to thank Justin Williams for his contributions as an outstanding member of the Council-s management team.”
As the new Director of the Tucson Regional Office, Harris will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Council-s Southern Arizona operation including event management, membership development, marketing, public policy, and community relations. As a business owner himself, Harris brings to the Council 15 years of technical and entrepreneurial experience and many long-standing industry relationships.
After ending his U.S. Air Force career which included service in Operation Desert Storm supporting the Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, Harris relocated to Tucson in 1996 and continued his career in technology as an applications engineer for Tucson-based Veeco. In 2004, he founded , a semiconductor test equipment company with worldwide customers including Texas Instruments, Intel and HP. Harris holds a Bachelor-s degree from the . He is the father of three children, a private pilot, a professional photographer, and an avid mountain biker and golfer.
“I am delighted to join the management team at the Arizona Technology Council and look forward to continuing to build our extensive network of collaborations, partnerships, organizations, resources and programs,” said Harris. “Southern Arizona is a vibrant technology community and is widely known as a great place to live.”
The Arizona Technology Council is a private, not-for-profit trade association founded to connect, represent and support the state-s expanding technology industry. To promote economic growth and professional development in Arizona-s technology sector, the Council provides members with networking opportunities, business support and access to educational forums. The Council strives to distinguish Arizona as a leader in the technology community and offer resources that are exclusive to its members. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit .
You are also invited to e-mail the president and his staff at , @aztechcouncil, or view the Council-s , , or page.
Linda Capcara
Global Connect Communications
(480) 229-7090
Merry Lake Merrell
Arizona Technology Council
(602) 343-8324 ext. 108
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