TECH PARKS ARIZONA - Key Persons
Anita Bell leads the business incubator and helps entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful companies.
Anita Bell has been involved with the University of Arizona and Tucson's startup incubator network for over fifteen years with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful companies. In her role at the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, she executes on strategy, manages daily operations, directs client services, develops and implements programs, mentors companies, and supports fundraising efforts.
Anita is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and growing scalable startup and emerging technology companies that fuel the Arizona economy. During her professional career, Anita has directly assisted over 100 early-stage startups in technology and life sciences. She is actively involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and organizes several signature events that benefit university, community and international startups. Anita follows the motto "it takes a village to raise a company" and cultivates relationships with and within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her collaborative spirit has helped shape a regional network that benefits startups.
Anita is a life-long learner with focus on incubation and commercialization. She holds the Entrepreneurship Center Management Certificate and the Rural Incubation Lite Certificate from the International National Business Incubation Association (InBIA). Anita is a graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership program and received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management Emphasis from Northern Arizona University.
Bernadette Franco manages all accounting transactions, including financials, budgets, rent schedules, reconciling, billing, invoicing and grant compliance for Campus Research Corporation, the company that markets and leases the UA Tech Park on behalf of the University of Arizona. She also manages all personnel human resource matters for the company including: updating and implementing company policies, managing the renewal process for company benefits, and tracking and submitting payroll. She assists with special events on behalf of the Park.
Her prior experience includes Executive Assistant to the Director of the UA Tech Park and CFO for Campus Research Corporation, office administration for the University of Arizona Office of Economic Development and customer service in UA Athletics where she worked primarily with major donor gifts, Campaign Arizona and corporate sponsorships. Ms. Franco also worked as a Diet Technician at St Joseph's Hospital.
Franco has worked at UA Tech Park since 2003.
Ms. Franco is a current member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Ms. Franco obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, with an emphasis in Dietetics from the University of Arizona.
Beth Megerle was hired to provide level 1 IT assistance, as well as helping in the Finance/HR department.
Ms. Megerle recently retired from the University of Arizona Athletics Department. She worked there over 30 years and in that time worked in several areas including IT, the Business Office, the Development Office, Marketing, Community Services, Communication Services, Ticket Sales and the Ticket Office.
Beth is a graduate of the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Job Titles:
- President, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona, the University of Arizona Tech Parks Arizona
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- Vice President for Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona
As the Vice President for Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona, Carol Stewart is responsible for the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and the UA Tech Park at the Bridges.
Carol Stewart, a long-standing authority on research parks, is the Vice President for Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona. Carol Stewart leads the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and is developing the UA Tech Park at The Bridges. She is also president of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, a technology business incubator network serving the University of Arizona, Tucson, and the international community.
Stewart's expertise in university research parks spans decades and nations with more than 20 years of experience working with research parks, technology commercialization, business incubation, governmental relations and business development.
As a pioneer in the research parks world, she has driven national policy, standardized programs, created national and international networks, built technology clusters, engaged stakeholders, and assisted countries with the development of their national science and technology policies.
Stewart is passionate about her community and serves as a champion in university-based economic development. She is a member of Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Flinn Foundation Steering Committee, a member of the Canadian Global Mentor Program and she also serves on the Board of Directors for Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, Pima County's Workforce Investment Board, Sun Corridor Inc., Arizona Technology Council, Desert Angels, and is a member of the City of Tucson Mayor's Economic Development Advisory Council.
She also serves as the North American Division President for the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). IASP is the worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation. IASP gathers 397 members in 73 countries. Previously, Stewart served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), which represents 200 research parks (80% US and 20% international). She collaborates with numerous leaders worldwide to build and grow university-related research parks through education, unification, and collaboration. She helps to expand and advance the impact of research parks and areas of innovation by showcasing best practices across the globe.
Her proven success record also includes co-founding the Canadian chapter of the Association of University Research Parks, founding director of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park at the University of Waterloo spearheading the development of the park, advancing the park to over the one-million-square-foot milestone, leading the marketing efforts and launching the professional services division of Maplesoft, a global spin-off company from the University of Waterloo, and enhancing the entrepreneurial culture of Canada at the Canadian Industrial Innovation Centre (CIIC).
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation
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Casey Carrillo is the Assistant Director for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation. Carrillo is responsible for managing the incubator's regional cohort-based programming and Sponsored Launch program which provides scholarships for startups in coordination with community financial support. She also facilitates the American Made Challenge programming in coordination with the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Lab. She is instrumental in brand enhancement through her work in social media and other marketing initiatives. Additionally, Carrillo manages UACI's student internship program and assists UACI's directors on varying aspects of programming related to the incubator's companies.
An Arizona native, Carrillo graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Master's of Arts degree in Higher Education. Carrillo worked at the University of Arizona for five years during her time as a student and staff member. Carrillo worked at the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship in the Eller College of Management where she learned the importance of incorporating innovation in education and transitioned to the Office of Digital Learning, supporting UA's efforts to provide a virtual learning experience for students. Carrillo is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of Arizona.
Casey Carrillo is the Assistant Director for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation. Carrillo is responsible for managing the incubator's regional cohort-based programming throughout Read full bio ›
Craig Kleine provides information systems and technology support for Tech Parks Arizona. He manages world-class telecommunication lines for phone, cell and IT needs including redundant fiber feeds, VPN fiber network, BMS fiber communication and a fiber backbone. He manages redundant servers both onsite at the UA Tech Park as well as the University of Arizona campus and a robust cybersecurity infrastructure. He also oversees the Access Control System building security system and manages the badge distribution program. He provides event and tenant audiovisual services for the entire UA Tech Park at Rita Road.
Craig has worked with the Tech Park Arizona's IT system for over a decade and has developed new protocols and brought best practices to the park to develop secure and reliable systems for over 40+ organizations who call the Tech Park home.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, the University of Arizona
- Vice Chair, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, the University of Arizona
Job Titles:
- Executive Director for the University of Arizona ( UA ) Center for Innovation
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Eric Smith is the executive director for the University of Arizona (UA) Center for Innovation. In this role, Smith is responsible for the daily operations and growth of the UA Center for Innovation, which includes administration, budgeting, financial management, grant submissions & sponsorships, client recruitment, building mentor & advisory networks, community outreach, and staff management.
Eric Smith brings with him almost a decade's worth of technology commercialization experience and a passion for entrepreneurship. Smith came to the UA Center for Innovation after serving as the commercialization network manager for Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), the UA's office responsible for moving UA research and technological innovation into the marketplace.
While at TLA, he focused on building and leveraging a network of domain experts and business leaders who consult on university technologies to help reveal their commercial relevance as they are prepared for the market. He also managed TLA's National Science Foundation Innovation-Corps (I-Corps) Site grant program which teaches inventing teams about lean startup methodology and customer discovery. An entrepreneur in his own right, after Eric started, developed and sold his first company, he embarked on a career in various technology startups. Smith holds a BSBA in business management and entrepreneurship and an MBA from the University of Arizona.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Vice President / Chief Budget Officer, Office of Budget & Planning, the University of Arizona
Iselda Mendez is the primary point of contact and is responsible for general office management, onboarding new startups, incubator logistics and supporting UACI's Executive Director. She is a highly experienced professional with over 30 years in inventory control, office management, and administration. Having held positions in the catalog mail-order, automobile, telemarketing/call center, and pharmaceutical industries, Iselda is able to tailor her skills to meet the specific needs of multiple clients. She is also our resident expert in event planning.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Specialist
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Jacqueline Nunez is the Accounting Specialist for Tech Parks Arizona.
Jacqueline Nunez assists with managing accounting transactions including coding invoices, completing bank reconciliations, and producing income statements. She also assists with external audits and yearly budgeting.
Jacqueline brings her knowledge and strong work ethic to the accounting team. She has a rich background in property management with a specialization in accounting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Chief County Administrator of Pima County
Jessa B. Turner manages communication strategies that promote and publicize Tech Parks Arizona and its units: UA Tech Park, UA Tech Park at the Bridges, and the UA Center for Innovation.
Jessa B. Turner develops and executes communication strategies that promote and publicize Tech Parks Arizona and its units: UA Tech Park, UA Tech Park at The Bridges, and the UA Center for Innovation since 2003. She is responsible for the development of marketing materials, messaging, and branding. She serves as the media liaison as well as the University of Arizona marketing liaison, for Tech Parks Arizona.
She has helped to advance Tech Parks Arizona for 18 years primarily through the promotion of university-based economic development activities. She is a graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) class of 2013 and is currently serving a three-year term on the GTL board. She is also an active member of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) communications special interest group.
Turner has been an active member of PRSA's vibrant network of local practitioners for over 15 years and has served on the board in a variety of roles, including Current President, Past President, Ethics Chair, Impact Awards Chair and Secretary. She is an award-winning PR practitioner, including winning the organization's coveted Best in Show Award multiple years. She has also been a beneficiary of the organization's mentorship program, which pairs seasoned PR professionals with younger practitioners.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Specialist
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Jillian Sommers is the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Tech Parks Arizona. In this role she assists the Director of Communications and is responsible for maintaining the social media channels, curating content and executing communication campaigns.
Sommers is a 2022 graduate of the University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, having received her Bachelor of Arts as a double major in Communication and Information Science & eSociety. From her education as well as participation and involvement in campus life she brings experience in social media marketing, online and digital communications, event coordination and graphic design to Tech Parks Arizona.
Jillian Sommers is the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Tech Parks Arizona. In this role she assists the Director of Communications and is responsible for maintaining the social media Read full bio ›
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Vice President, Arizona Technology Council, Southern Arizona Regional Office
Job Titles:
- Accounting Associate to the Senior Manager
- Associate to the Senior Manager
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Kat Martinez is the Accouting Associate to the Senior Manager, Accounting and Human Resources. Her responsibilities include bookkeeping, invoicing and payment processing.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Executive Vice President
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Kenneth M. Marcus is responsible for the finances and operations of the UA Tech Park and UA Tech Park at The Bridges, including lease negotiations, compliance, and more.
Kenneth M. Marcus is responsible for the finances and operations of the UA Tech Park and UA Tech Park at The Bridges, including lease negotiations, compliance, maintenance, building renewal, construction, financing, audit, treasury and food operations. Marcus has worked at UA Tech Park since 1999.
His experience includes property and operations management, food and vending operations, financial budgeting and reporting, loan funding packages, cash management, risk management and insurance, lease negotiations and compliance, land development, construction, technology implementation and use, Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery Plans, and Business and Financial plans.
Earlier in his career, Marcus worked for the University of Arizona Agriculture Extension Service on research projects. His finance and accounting career began while working for a large local land syndication firm. Marcus then served as controller for Bell Howell Cope Company and as Interim Executive Director of Finance for Tucson Unified School District.
He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1982 with a BS in agriculture and completed his MBA. from the University of Phoenix in 1990.
Marcus sits on the board of directors for the Association of University Research Parks. He is a member and has also served on the board of directors, the Institute of Management Accountants, Building Owners and Managers of Tucson, and Home Owner Associations.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Chief Executive Officer of Health Catalysts Group
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Secretary & General Counsel, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Partner of Haralson, Miller, Pitt, & McAnally, PC
Job Titles:
- TITLE
- Vice President of Construction, Planning & Facilities for Tech Parks Arizona Which Directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road
Patrick Murphy is the Vice President of Construction, Planning & Facilities for Tech Parks Arizona which directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and is developing the UA Tech Park at The Bridges Read full bio ›
Patrick Murphy is the Vice President of Construction, Planning & Facilities for Tech Parks Arizona which directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and is developing the UA Tech Park at The Bridges. He directs the design, construction, and maintenance of all facilities, as well as planning, allocating, and tracking space requirements and allocations for the Parks. He is responsible for developing engineering, maintenance, and system policies and procedures. His project management role includes the procurement of contracts related to architectural and engineering design as well as oversight and coordinating work for all contractors.
Murphy brings over twenty years of technical expertise in the area of site planning, layouts, budgeting, project management, engineering, design, procurement, and construction management. He is active in Arizona Builders' Association (ABA), Association of University Research Parks (AURP), and International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and BOMA.
Murphy is active within the Tucson community as a member of The Centurions of Tucson, a 501(c)3 charitable organization comprised of prominent Southern Arizona business leaders focusing on improving the health and well-being of the community's most underserved members, particularly children's health and wellness. In addition, he is also an active board member of DM50 which advocates on behalf of the airmen and families of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, strengthening relationships between the Base and the educational, commercial, political, and social leadership of greater
Murphy is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community and Government Relations
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Peter Loya is the Director of Community and Government Relations for Tech Parks Arizona. His responsibilities include managing tenant and employee relations, neighborhood and community relations, educational outreach, workforce development, and fundraising. He is the main point of contact for over 6,000 employees at the UA Tech Park and leads the Tech Cat program which brings together employees from the various companies creating connections and establishing a broader sense of community. He also organizes onsite events including the annual Homecoming at the Tech Park event, bi-annual building luncheons, tours, and Pop-Up Parties at the Park. He also leads the health and wellness activities of the Park in partnership with the YMCA. His day to day activities creates a unique atmosphere for employees at the Park making it one of the region's best workplaces.
Mr. Loya brings more than 15 years of professional experience to the Tech Park team and he has experience with customer service, team training, sales experience, logistical planning, and community outreach. He is an active member of the community and volunteers his time with SAAF, Habitat for Humanity, and many other organizations.
Mr. Loya is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a BS in Psychological Science and a minor in Sociology.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Treasurer of the Arizona Board of Regents
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Vice President for Facilities, Operations, and Campus Planning, the University of Arizona
Steven Wood brings 25 years of startup and executive management experience to the team. He received his electrical engineering degree from Northeastern University in Boston. Through his co-op period with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Steven worked as a systems engineer for RCA Aerospace Systems in Burlington, MA, Somerville, NJ, and Mountaintop, PA. Steven continued his education receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration. Entering the workforce, he partnered with the founders of Powercube Corporation a Billerica, MA, electronics designer. As Vice President of Operations, he helped to grow the company quickly; it was later acquired by Unitrode Corporation a Lexington, MA, based semiconductor company. Leading the division in revenues and profits, Steven was promoted to Vice President and General Manager at Unitrode, where he acquired several other companies under the Unitrode umbrella. Along with three colleagues, Steven then founded Power Convertibles Corporation, a Tucson, AZ-based power electronics company. Tripling the revenue base in two years, the business expanded worldwide. Steven along with other executives from Burr Brown, a major shareholder, sold the business to C&D Technologies, a Blue Bell, PA-based diversified electronics company. Steven is an experienced pilot and amateur radio operator.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Campus Research Corporation Board of Directors / Principal Emeritus / Consultant of PSOMAS
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Executive
- Vice President
- Executive Associate to the Vice President
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Tracy Bibeau is the Executive Associate to the Vice President, while also providing executive support for the Director of University and Community Engagement and Director of Business Development for Tech Parks Arizona. Tracy provides information and project management, assistance with grants and scheduling support to enhance the effectiveness of the Vice President and the Tech Park Office. She serves as the primary contact for the Vice President for both internal and external agencies and assists on special projects. She also coordinates meetings, international and domestic travel and assists with special events on behalf of the Park.
Tracy manages all Campus Research Corporation (CRC) board meetings, inquiries, and materials. CRC is an Arizona 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation that assists the University of Arizona in developing, operating, leasing, and promoting the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and the UA Tech Park at the Bridges.
Tracy has 20+ years of prior Executive Assistant experience which includes working for the local government in Scotland, financial institutes and property development companies and has worked for Tech Parks Arizona since 2012.