Azdec Committees
AzDEC Initiatives Are Organized Around Five Committees
Executive COMMITTEE
AzDEC’s Executive Committee sets the organization’s strategic direction and leads its efforts to strengthen Arizona’s position in the global economy. It guides the priorities and partnerships that expand international trade and investment opportunities for Arizona businesses.
Members
Carol Colombo – Chair
Rita Marko – Vice Chair
Carolynne Hunter – Vice Chair
Leandro Solorzano – Executive Secretary
Carolita Oliveros – Corporate Secretary
Michelle Ruttle – Treasurer
Adam Hawkins – Chair, TPLA Committee
Tina Waddington – Chair, Development Committee
Ghazal Khorshidi – Chair, Thunderbird Committee
Martha Medina – Co-Chair, Marketing Committee
Alma Peralta, Co-Chair, Marketing Committee
Trade Policy & Legislative Affairs COMMITTEE
The TPLA Committee supports education and advocacy related to state and federal trade/investment policies and legislation that enhances the competitive position of Arizona exporters or promotes foreign direct investment in Arizona. The TPLA also advocates for funding for the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Commercial Service to ensure their ability to support US exporters.
Members
Adam Hawkins – Chair
Steven Zylstra – Vice Chair
Thunderbird committee
The Thunderbird Subcommittee oversees the development of an enduring and mutually beneficial partnership with the Thunderbird School of Global Management, including an internship program, the GCL program, the Export Certification Program, etc.
Members
Ghazal Khorshidi – Chair
Development Committee
The Development Committee is responsible for:
- Securing donors & sponsors (including sponsors for AZDEC events)
- Developing programing that supports the Arizona District Export Council’s mission and generates revenue, including development of relationships with partner organizations that can jointly host activities
- Exploring opportunities to secure grants
Members
Tina Waddington – Chair
Fernando Jimenez
Marketing & Communications COMMITTEE
The marketing committee oversees all internal and external communications on behalf of the AZDEC, including
- Development of all media tools to get AZDEC members communicating and get deliver AZDEC content to the public and our customers (Website, YouTube, LinkedIn, X, etc);
- Develop new member onboarding programs; and
- Promotion of AZDEC events
Members
Alma Peralta – Co-Chair
Martha Medina – Co-Chair