Industry leaders from technology, mining, and healthcare join to strengthen Arizona’s economic diversification efforts

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept 3, 2025) – Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI), a passionate collective of business and community leaders dedicated to accelerating Arizona’s economic opportunities, announces the addition of three new members to its board of directors: Oleg Khaykin, President and CEO of Viavi Solutions, Inc.; Stephen Higgins, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Freeport-McMoRan; and Robert Bowser, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI). These leaders will begin their service at PEI’s September board meeting, bringing valuable expertise from technology, mining, and healthcare sectors to strengthen Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.

This board expansion and recruitment effort is led by former Mesa Mayor John Giles, who was pivotal in transforming Mesa into a business and economic development hub in the East Valley. This strategic expansion follows the recent additions of Mike Madsen, former CEO of Honeywell, and Jason Weinstein, Chief Officer for Corporate Engagement at Maricopa Corporate College, further diversifying the board’s industry representation.

“PEI functions as a ‘do tank’ that transforms bold ideas into action, bringing together the right partners and resources to create real economic impact,” said John Graham, CEO and Chairman of Sunbelt Holdings and Board Chair of the Partnership for Economic Innovation. “By expanding our board with leaders from key industries, we’re ensuring diverse perspectives guide our work to build a world-class innovation ecosystem where Arizona businesses and people thrive. These new members bring expertise from sectors critical to our state’s economic resilience and will help us drive market-relevant research and commercialization that creates jobs and economic growth.”

Oleg Khaykin brings extensive experience from the technology and semiconductor sectors, which are vital to Arizona’s growing innovation economy.

“Arizona’s semiconductor and technology industries have tremendous growth potential,” said Khaykin. “PEI’s focus on applied research funding for semiconductor startup companies creates pathways for innovators to bring world-changing ideas to market. I look forward to helping strengthen these initiatives that position Arizona as a global leader in technology innovation.”

Stephen Higgins represents one of Arizona’s most vital and rapidly evolving industries, bringing mining sector expertise to PEI’s diverse board.

“Copper mining has played a large part in Arizona’s past and it’s now a driving force behind its future,” said Higgins. “Freeport and the broader mining industry are fueling economic growth, supporting the clean energy transition, and critical to meeting the surging demand from data centers and digital infrastructure—all of which depend heavily on copper. Through PEI’s talent development programs, we’re strengthening this critical sector while encouraging collaboration across industries to ensure Arizona stays resilient, innovative, and positioned for long-term success.”

Dr. Robert Bowser adds critical healthcare leadership to the board, representing one of Arizona’s fastest-growing sectors.

Since its inception, PEI has worked to transform Arizona into a top global market for innovation, fueled by world-class research centers, advanced industries, and creative entrepreneurs. The organization’s initiatives include Applied Research Centers that accelerate the development of emerging technology products with the potential to fuel growth industries and create quality jobs for Arizonans.

“PEI drives Arizona’s economic diversification by connecting industry needs with research capabilities, creating a resilient economy that can withstand market fluctuations,” said John Giles, Attorney at Udall Shumway and Advisor to PEI’s Board of Directors. “These new board members represent our commitment to inclusive prosperity, ensuring economic growth benefits all communities by creating pathways for diverse populations to access innovation opportunities.”

The Partnership for Economic Innovation’s board of directors consists of some of the state’s most prominent business and policy leaders. For more information about PEI and its work, visit azpei.org.