Executive Director of University of Arizona Business Incubator Joins Tucson Jewish Community Center Board of Directors

Eric Smith, Executive Director of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation has been appointed a seat on the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Board of Directors. Established in 1949, the Tucson Jewish Community Center is a non-profit organization that has provided the Tucson community with an assortment of recreational and cultural activities for all age groups. The Tucson Jewish Community Center is committed to the enrichment and cultivation of Jewish culture and its presence as well as creating a space for wellness and community.

“We are very excited to have Eric join the board and look forward to having his creativity and energy as part of the leadership team at the J. Eric has a lot of passion for our mission. His focus will help us as we evolve and innovate to be the best version of ourselves into the future,” expressed CEO and President Todd Rockoff.

In addition to Eric Smith, the following new board members include: Dr. Ilana Addis, Claire West, Tom Warne, (past chair) and Lex Sears (past chair).

Smith serves as the executive director for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) which is a business incubator supporting both University of Arizona and community at large startups with a network with outposts across Southern Arizona. Smith brings years of entrepreneurial experience and is driven to support startups using tried and true business principal as well as a strong network of professional connections. 

“Growing up in Tucson, I received immense benefit from my involvement in JCC programs and I look forward to giving back. Through Todd’s leadership and that of the board, I am encouraged by the direction in which the JCC is headed,” shared Smith.

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation

The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a startup incubator network with outposts across the Southern Arizona region and a mission to grow scalable startup ventures that fuel the Arizona economy. Since inception in 2003, the program has directly served over 135 companies and impacted thousands of entrepreneurs. This is done through providing access to people, programming and places that help entrepreneurs take their companies from idea to market. Learn more

Tech Parks Arizona

Tech Parks Arizona creates the interactive ground that generates, attracts and retains technology companies and talent in alignment with the research, mission and goals of the University of Arizona.  Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, placing the highest priority on recruiting companies desiring connectivity to the UA. Learn more

Tucson Jewish Community Center

The Tucson J has been a unique and dynamic force in the general Tucson community since 1949. Their programs and events serve every age group from our six-week-old infants through those approaching their 100th birthday. They offer something for everyone: social, cultural, educational, recreational, athletic programs, and activities. The J is a non-profit, membership-supported organization. Everyone is welcome! Learn more