Arizona Technology Council Names Alex Rodriguez as Director, Southern Arizona Regional Office

PHOENIX, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing the momentum it has gained in driving technology development, economic growth and high-wage job creation in Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona, the Arizona Technology Council (www.aztechcouncil.org) today announced that it has appointed well-known native Arizonan Alex Rodriguez as director, Southern Arizona Regional Office, effective August 20, 2012.

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"As a former Raytheon employee and president of the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, Alex brings significant industry experience and community leadership to the Council," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.  "We look forward to leveraging Alex's deep roots in the community, extensive technology background and proven managerial skills to continue our support of a growing, healthy and vibrant high-tech economy across the state."

Rodriguez assumes the role previously held by James M. Harris who departed to assume a role in private industry. Justin Williams will continue his emeritus role in the Council's Southern Arizona Regional Office as he pursues his doctoral program in the Eller College of Management MIS Department at The University of Arizona and remains committed to growing Startup Tucson, an initiative to help foster a robust startup community.

As the new Director of the Tucson Regional Office, Rodriguez 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. 

"I am delighted to join the management team at the Arizona Technology Council and look forward to furthering our mission of spurring job creation and the innovation economy in Arizona and nationwide," said Rodriguez. "My goal is to be a resource for the Southern Arizona community including the policymakers who represent this important region."

Rodriguez completed Army ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate from New Mexico Military Institute, and became an Army officer at 20 years of age in 1991. He obtained his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1994. Before receiving his Master's Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1997, Rodriguez worked at the Arizona State Senate, the United Nations Association in New York City, and with the U.S. State Department at the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador.

A former Term Member of the New York based Council on Foreign Relations, Rodriguez served as a U.S. Department of Defense International Policy Advisor, Country Director and Special Assistant at the Pentagon from 1997 to 2000.

In the private sector, Mr. Rodriguez worked for Raytheon from 2002 thru 2008 when he was recruited by W.W. Grainger to lead, develop and grow their government markets business.  He went on to become founder and managing director of strategic consulting firm Client Attraction Strategy Advisors and was recently recognized by the National Academy of Best Selling Authors as a co-author with legendary business development expert Brian Tracy of "Counter-Attack, Business Strategies for Explosive Growth in the New Economy."

The son of an immigrant working class family, Mr. Rodriguez was raised as the youngest of ten children and was the first child with the privilege to graduate from college.  He is an avid reader, enjoys playing racquetball and playing the drums in his free time.  Mr. Rodriguez is married to the former Claudia Araiza and they are the proud parents of Emi Sofia, their first daughter born in May 2008.

About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work toward furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council