Casey Carrillo is the Executive Director of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI). Carrillo is responsible for managing all activities of the incubator including oversight of day-to-day operations. This includes providing high level strategy for the incubator, managing staff, mentors, contractors, oversight of incubator financials, providing business development to recruit startups to the incubator, oversee and implement grant management and funding opportunities for UACI, implement UACI’s soft landings program, and working directly with Tech Parks Arizona on commercialization strategies. Carrillo also manages relationships with local municipalities and state entities in supporting the startup ecosystem in Tucson, Arizona.

An Arizona native, Carrillo graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s of Arts degree in Higher Education. Carrillo worked at the University of Arizona for five years during her time as a student and staff member. Carrillo worked at the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship in the Eller College of Management where she learned the importance of incorporating innovation in education and transitioned to the Office of Digital Learning, supporting UA’s efforts to provide a virtual learning experience for students.

Carrillo is on the Board of Directors for Southern Arizona Research and Science Foundation (SARSEF) where she supports the importance of STEM education in K-12 schools. Carrillo also received the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 recognition in 2023. Carrillo is dedicated to fostering innovation within the Tucson community.