Board of Directors
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Ellen Owens-Karcsay
Ellen is an experienced transformation advisor, supporting businesses and nonprofit organizations through various stages of the organizational lifecycle. This includes developing change readiness and management plans, assessing organizational capacity, supporting growth initiatives, including acquisition or merger integration, and process improvement. Ellen is also well-versed in various technology solutions that can enable efficient, effective, and sustainable transformations.
Because of her varied experiences ranging from leading a nonprofit organization to leading a global project management team for a global technology company, Ellen believes that there is not one solution for all.
Ellen believes that every organization, regardless of size or type, should develop a discipline around understanding processes and people before products. In practice, this means you must first clarify your desired business processes along with the people and talent responsible for them and then match the solution that enables that process.
Developing that organizational discipline comes naturally as Ellen is a Certified Personal Trainer and teaches spin classes for fun. Ellen has competed in many triathlons over the past ten years, including the Arizona Ironman in 2011.
Ellen lives with her husband in Tempe, Arizona, and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, biking, and running. She also enjoys “creating,” which may include something baked, painted, or planted.
Because of her varied experiences ranging from leading a nonprofit organization to leading a global project management team for a global technology company, Ellen believes that there is not one solution for all.
Ellen believes that every organization, regardless of size or type, should develop a discipline around understanding processes and people before products. In practice, this means you must first clarify your desired business processes along with the people and talent responsible for them and then match the solution that enables that process.
Developing that organizational discipline comes naturally as Ellen is a Certified Personal Trainer and teaches spin classes for fun. Ellen has competed in many triathlons over the past ten years, including the Arizona Ironman in 2011.
Ellen lives with her husband in Tempe, Arizona, and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, biking, and running. She also enjoys “creating,” which may include something baked, painted, or planted.
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Evan Rahaeuser
Evan Rahaeuser is a Director of On-Site Property Management and has been in real estate property management for over 18 years with extensive experience and knowledge managing assets of various product types and sizes throughout the country ranging from 2,000 sq ft to 600,000 sq ft and managing team members located throughout the country. Mr. Rahaeuser’s background has helped with the acquisition and disposition of assets totaling over $2.5 Billion.
Along with his wife, Jamie, and daughter, Harper, Mr. Rahaeuser is an avid supporter of the Arizona Bleeding Disorder community, as his son has severe hemophilia A.
Along with his wife, Jamie, and daughter, Harper, Mr. Rahaeuser is an avid supporter of the Arizona Bleeding Disorder community, as his son has severe hemophilia A.
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Tim Tsai
Tim Tsai is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in global business and supply chain management, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience navigating complexities within various industries.
In 2021, he smoothly transitioned into a role as a management and supply chain consultant, leveraging his wealth of knowledge to advise businesses on optimizing their growth, operations, and enhancing efficiency.
Alongside his consulting endeavors, Tim is also a savvy real estate investor, leveraging his analytical skills and strategic mindset to identify investment opportunities in the property market.
With a proven track record of success in both the corporate and investment realms, Tim Tsai is dedicated to driving growth and maximizing value in every endeavor.
In 2021, he smoothly transitioned into a role as a management and supply chain consultant, leveraging his wealth of knowledge to advise businesses on optimizing their growth, operations, and enhancing efficiency.
Alongside his consulting endeavors, Tim is also a savvy real estate investor, leveraging his analytical skills and strategic mindset to identify investment opportunities in the property market.
With a proven track record of success in both the corporate and investment realms, Tim Tsai is dedicated to driving growth and maximizing value in every endeavor.
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Jamie Neilson
As the current Director of Operations + Events for the Arizona Technology Council, Jamie works to connect and engage Southern Arizona’s technology ecosystem through educational seminars, business legislative lobbying, and networking events. Ms. Neilson is responsible for event coordination and logistics including procuring presenters, sponsorships and donations, marketing events to ensure maximum attendance, and tracking revenue for each event. She also serves as staff liaison, coordinator, and facilitator for several of the Council’s committees.
Jamie serves as Chairwoman of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s CanStruction event committee and when she’s not busy planning her next event, Jamie enjoys spending her free time with her husband and daughter hiking, baking, and reading. She also proudly serves as a Troop Leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.
Jamie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University – Bozeman.
Jamie serves as Chairwoman of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s CanStruction event committee and when she’s not busy planning her next event, Jamie enjoys spending her free time with her husband and daughter hiking, baking, and reading. She also proudly serves as a Troop Leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.
Jamie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University – Bozeman.
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Rachel Hoyt Verdugo
Rachel is currently Associate Director, Technology Program Management. Rachel is responsible for championing digital technology automation for several areas of the company. She assists in deploying technologies that provide a competitive advantage by being affordable and efficient. Her strength is execution, deployment, and change management. She is a Six Sigma black belt, subject matter expert in technology automation, proposal management, program execution, and price to win.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science major in accounting/finance and a Master of Business Administration
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science major in accounting/finance and a Master of Business Administration
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Sonia Vohnout
Sonia is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in executive management and senior technical roles. With a background in co-founding successful ventures, she boasts nearly two decades of expertise in the SBIR/STTR program. Sonia has consistently demonstrated her ability to contribute to the development, submission, and successful funding of proposals, employing a comprehensive “systems engineering” approach to enhance their quality and competitiveness.
Her impact in the SBIR/STTR space extends to consulting services, where she has played a pivotal role in helping startups and small businesses secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding. Recognized as a leading consultant, Sonia brings a depth of experience in commercialization strategies, forging strong relationships with small businesses, industry stakeholders, research institutions, state organizations, and incubators.
Her collaborative approach translates innovative ideas into tangible realities, reflecting her success in the field. Sonia holds a B.S and M.S in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona, providing a solid academic foundation for her professional journey.
Her impact in the SBIR/STTR space extends to consulting services, where she has played a pivotal role in helping startups and small businesses secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding. Recognized as a leading consultant, Sonia brings a depth of experience in commercialization strategies, forging strong relationships with small businesses, industry stakeholders, research institutions, state organizations, and incubators.
Her collaborative approach translates innovative ideas into tangible realities, reflecting her success in the field. Sonia holds a B.S and M.S in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona, providing a solid academic foundation for her professional journey.
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Sean O'Keefe
Sean has an extensive background in the medical device sales industry, he has worked for major companies such as Miach Orthopaedics, MY01, 3M, Arthrex and Integra LifeSciences. Sean has covered sales territories on the East and West coast of the country.
Sean initially started his professional career as a Certified Athletic Trainer where he specialized in the care and prevention of athletic injuries. He spent his 7-year career as a Certified Athletic Trainer providing care for Collegiate Division I Athletes and for professional athletes including time with the Arizona Cardinals and both the Winter and Summer X-Games.
Sean graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and then received his Master of Science in Exercise Science from Syracuse University.
Sean was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and lives here with his wife Yasmeen and 6 year old daughter Julia where he enjoys hiking, golfing, woodworking and spending time with family and friends.
Sean initially started his professional career as a Certified Athletic Trainer where he specialized in the care and prevention of athletic injuries. He spent his 7-year career as a Certified Athletic Trainer providing care for Collegiate Division I Athletes and for professional athletes including time with the Arizona Cardinals and both the Winter and Summer X-Games.
Sean graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and then received his Master of Science in Exercise Science from Syracuse University.
Sean was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and lives here with his wife Yasmeen and 6 year old daughter Julia where he enjoys hiking, golfing, woodworking and spending time with family and friends.
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Rick Hall
Rick is a college educator and administrator with demonstrated expertise in health, wellness, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is a professor and director of business leadership and healthcare administration at Colorado Christian University. Previously, Rick worked at Arizona State University for over 20 years, where he retired as a clinical professor and assistant dean of health innovation.
Dr. Hall earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, his master’s degree from Arizona State University, and his PhD from Iowa State University. His work has been published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the Asian Wall Street Journal, and Better Homes and Gardens. He is the CEO of a multivitamin company and co-owner of a website design company. He also serves as the managing partner of the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University MedTech Accelerator.
Rick has been married to his wife, Anna, since 1995. They have two adult children and one in high school. They reside in North Phoenix.
Dr. Hall earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, his master’s degree from Arizona State University, and his PhD from Iowa State University. His work has been published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the Asian Wall Street Journal, and Better Homes and Gardens. He is the CEO of a multivitamin company and co-owner of a website design company. He also serves as the managing partner of the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University MedTech Accelerator.
Rick has been married to his wife, Anna, since 1995. They have two adult children and one in high school. They reside in North Phoenix.
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Grady Brennan
Grady Brennan is an accomplished Outside Sales Representative at French's Meat Shop, a locally owned butcher shop in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a focus on supplying restaurants, bars and grills, caterers, and supporting Mom and Pop startups throughout the valley, Grady excels in building lasting relationships and delivering top-notch service to his clients. Grady and his family became part of the bleeding community when his son was born in 2018. He and his family enjoy participating in local bleeders events and fundraisers.
Heather Poore
Heather worked as an office manager in the medical field for 19 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She is a community member whose son has severe Hemophilia A.
Heather graduated from Arizona State University West with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology, with a minor in Communications.
Heather is an Arizona native and currently lives in Glendale with her husband Zack and their three children Hattie, Ella, and Holden. She enjoys getting outdoors with her family and a good book.
Heather graduated from Arizona State University West with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology, with a minor in Communications.
Heather is an Arizona native and currently lives in Glendale with her husband Zack and their three children Hattie, Ella, and Holden. She enjoys getting outdoors with her family and a good book.