Tech Council's Kent steps down

BYLINE: Ty Young

Donna Kent, president and chief executive of the Arizona Technology Council, announced her resignation Monday. She has accepted a position as senior vice president for global expansion with Televerde, a marketing service solutions provider based in Tempe.

Kent spent 18 months with the council and was known for her "take charge" attitude, said Michael Berens, council board chairman and director of the Cancer and Cell Biology Division at Translational Genomics Research Institute.

"What a tireless, visionary and collaborative leader," he said. "She's somebody who really rolls up her sleeves and gets down to business with all of the council members."

Although relatively short, Kent's legacy will be known for a broad-reaching scope, bringing technology companies to the council from beyond the Valley, into Tucson and Sonora, Mexico.

She also helped launch or strengthen council initiatives, such as state technology magazine, Tech Connect, and programs such as the Arizona Technology Foundation and the TechTalent Repository.

Kent was instrumental in allying with the Science Foundation Arizona and the Arizona Department of Commerce.

"From our perspective, Donna's been a very strong supporter," said Matt Kim, president of the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster. "She really wanted to gather the organizations and get them to work together as partners."

Kent will stay with the council for two to three weeks, aiding in the transition to interim chief executive Ron Schott, current executive emeritus. He has been with the council since retiring from America Online Inc. in 2003. He served as interim chief executive before Kent was hired and after Todd Bankofier left to join technology company Ensynch.

"We're asking Ron to keep things running," Berens said. "He's a familiar entity and a good operational guy."

Kent's departure was inevitable, but unexpected, Berens said. Although he and the council board will have to spend time looking for a replacement, they are happy that Kent has landed with a local company.

"We were absolutely not looking for anybody to replace Donna," he said. "I'm very glad her talents will remain in the Valley."

Since Kent joined the council, 133 new organizations and companies were added, pushing membership beyond 500.

Kent did not immediately respond to telephone calls, but through an e-mail statement, said she has enjoyed her time with the council membership and board.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with the board, our partners, a great staff and two classic chairmen," she wrote. "I am honored that you have had the confidence in me to lead our efforts."

For more: Arizona Technology Council, www.aztechcouncil.com ; or Televerde, www.televerde.org .