Arizona SciTech Appoints New Director of Programs and Education

PHOENIX

Arizona SciTech today announced the appointment of Susan Farretta as their new Director of Programs and Education. Anchored at both the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Technology Council Foundation, in collaboration with the Arizona Board of Regents, the Arizona Science Center, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, Arizona SciTech is dedicated to celebrating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across the state.

Experience in project management, education and STEM integration makes Farretta uniquely suited to manage Arizona SciTech’s STEM initiatives. A technology industry veteran with over 17 years of experience at Motorola and ON Semiconductor, and a dedicated teacher who has worked for both the Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Community College, Farretta has also served as a STEM Integration Specialist for the Phoenix Union District.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Susan at Arizona SciTech,” said Jeremy Babendure, Director of the Arizona Science and Technology Festival. “She not only brings top project management experience to the table, she has genuine love of teaching. And that’s what lies at the very heart of Arizona SciTech.”

As the Director of Programs and Education, Farretta will coordinate events for Arizona SciTech’s annual science festival, which collaborates with over 600 organizations to more than 1,000 events across 51 different Arizona communities.

Farretta will also oversee Arizona SciTech’s new Chief Science Officer initiative, which is designed to promote campus-wide engagement of science and innovation across Arizona schools. Pilot high schools and middle schools will elect Chief Science Officers from their student body, who will then identify STEM opportunities for their school, such as speakers, workshops and field trips. In addition to energizing science activities through an understanding of their peers’ interests, each officer provides a point of contact through which STEM organizations can meaningfully connect with schools.

“Tomorrow’s innovators and visionaries are in our classrooms today,” says Steve Zylstra, President and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “A robust technology ecosystem demands that schools, business leaders and public institutions work together to instill a love for science, engineering and innovation in the next generation. Susan Farretta is a tremendous asset to Arizona SciTech’s ability to foster STEM mentorship in our communities.”

Farretta is a graduate of Mesa Community College. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Management and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix.

About Arizona SciTech

Arizona SciTech Festival is committed to promoting the celebration of science, technology and engineering across the state. Spearheaded by its Foundational Partners the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Science Center, Arizona State University, Arizona Technology Council Foundation and The University of Arizona, Arizona SciTech’s premier initiative is its annual science festival held in February and March. Through a series of more than 800 expos, workshops, conversations, exhibitions and tours held in diverse neighborhoods throughout the state, the festival excites and informs Arizonans age 3 to 103 how STEM will drive our state. Visit azscitech.org for more information.

About the Arizona Technology Council Foundation

The Arizona Technology Council Foundation is dedicated to promoting and growing technology in Arizona through leadership in education and workforce development, collaboration and innovation. Convinced that properly integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education offers students one of the best opportunities to prepare themselves to be college and career ready, the Foundation is home to STEM programs, including the Arizona SciTech Festival, and the Arizona Middle School and High School Science Bowls. Visit aztechcouncil.org/serving-arizona/aztc-foundation/ for more.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization, with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit azcommerce.com for more.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150826006010/en/

Media contact:
TechTHiNQ
JP McIntyre, 410-262-0599
jpmcintyre@techthinq.com
or
Organization contact:
Arizona SciTech Festival
Jeremy Babendure, 480-250-7764
jeremyb@azcommerce.com