Azdec Committees

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

Brett Johnson

Carol Colombo

Carolynne Hunter

Fernando Garcia

Leandro Solorzano

Mike Patterson

Paul Brierley

Rita Cheng

Ruben Alvarez

Russ Jones

Sapna Gupta

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

Brett Mecum

Eddie Geisel

Julie Pettit

Lalitha Immaneni

Leandro Solorzano

Radwa Abdel-Barry

Ruth Ellen Elinski

Susana Trasente

The Development Committee is responsible for:

• Securing donors & sponsors (including sponsors for AZDEC events)
• Development of 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

Alma Peralta

Carolita Oliveros

Fernando Jimenez

Joseph Guzman

Justin Dutram

Leandro Solorzano

Rita Marko

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 / Development

Martha Medina – Co-Chair

Bill Jordan

Carolin Gey

Doug Bruhnke

Eduardo Gonzalez

Felipe Garcia

Hank Marshall

Leandro Solorzano

Mike Patterson