Representing industries and sectors across the Monterey Bay region, the 18 regional leaders share a commitment to advancing opportunities in advanced air mobility-based economic growth  

(April 25, 2024 — Marina, CA)  - The recently formed Monterey Bay Tech Hub, a coalition of regional stakeholders who recognize the need for collective action to strengthen the opportunity for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)-based economic growth and job creation in the Tri-County region, has announced the formation of its Leadership Council.

The Monterey Bay Tech Hub recognizes the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties as an emerging tech hub for advanced air mobility. The Leadership Council will focus on driving strategic collaboration to support workforce training and regional infrastructure needs of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industries. 

“I am deeply honored to join esteemed colleagues on the Leadership Council of the Monterey Bay Tech Hub. For 17 years, Santa Cruz Works has dedicated itself to fostering our region as a haven for entrepreneurs. Now, with the Monterey Bay Tech Hub, our shared objective is unmistakable: to nurture avenues in advanced air mobility, sparking economic expansion throughout the tri-county region. Together, we pledge to lead with innovation and collaboration, paving the way for a future where boundless skies and prosperity intersect.” Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works.

Regional leaders representing industry, government, community and educational sectors of the tri-county region will serve on the Monterey Bay Tech Hub Leadership Council: 

Leadership Council

• California Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Ex Officio member

• Danny Bernstein, Managing General Partner, HawkTower

• Cody Cleverly, Workforce Development Lead, Joby Aviation

• Angela Curro, San Benito County Supervisor (District 4)

• Doug Erickson, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Works

• Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (District 2)

• Marshall T. Fulbright III Superintendent/President, Monterey Peninsula College

• Tahra Goraya, President & CEO, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership

• Michael Gutierrez, Superintendent/President, Hartnell College

• Tom Horvath, Interim Dean of the College of Science, CSUMB

• Cesar Lara, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

• Layne Long, City Manager, City of Marina

• Chris Lopez, Monterey County Supervisor (District 3)

• Jacob Martinez, President, Digital NEST

• Rene Mendez, City Manager, City of Watsonville

• Josh Metz, Executive Director, Monterey Bay DART

• David Mirrione, City Manager, City of Hollister

• Larry Samuels, Special Advisor the the Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz

• Sarasina Tuchen, Senior Scientist and National Technical Expert 

• Tosha Perkins, Chief People & Partnerships Officer, Archer Aviation

• Matt Wetstein, President, Cabrillo College 

About Monterey Bay Tech Hub: The Monterey Bay Tech Hub is a coalition of regional stakeholders who recognize the need for collective action to strengthen the opportunity for AAM-based economic growth and job creation in the Tri-County region. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART are founding members. 

Contact:  Marie Vasari Hislop  media@mbep.biz / ‭(831) 224-2132‬