Joseph Licata

landscape enabled him to develop a keen sense of the challenges and opportunities in the education industry. With a proven ability to communicate effectively and inspire audiences, Joe has been a sought-after speaker at notable events, including panel discussions and sponsored engagements with the Chronicle of Education, where he has shared insights on the pivotal role of IT in higher education. He is also the winner of the Rising Start Award for Educause in 2022 and has been a presenter and exhibitor at Educause in past years.

With an impressive track record in higher education leadership, Joe previously served as the Associate Chief Information Officer and Head of Product for Academic Technology at the Maricopa County Community Colleges District. There, he played a pivotal role in developing and executing strategies for a wide range of product services, ensuring students and faculty had access to cutting-edge technology solutions. His expertise in education technology further flourished during his tenure as a Senior Product Manager at an EdTech startup, which was later acquired by Cengage Learning. He brings an exceptional blend of strategic thinking and product development skills to the table, making him well-versed in addressing the evolving needs of the education market. Joe also honed his expertise as a part-time faculty member at esteemed institutions such as Saint Leo University and Phoenix College.

Joe's experience extends to prominent roles at global tech giants such as AWS, where he excelled as a Senior Technical Product Manager, and a Public Safety company, where he served as the Director of Product. Notably, he contributed significantly to the advancement of public safety by spearheading the development of high-tech SaaS technology for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services at Mark43.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe is the Founder and Executive Director of a non-profit organization called Arizona Educates, dedicated to advancing higher education and fostering economic and social mobility in the state. The organization conducts economic research, performs public policy analysis, and provides direct student support, underscoring Joe's commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Joe holds a Juris Doctorate in Law, a Master of Science in Management, and an MBA from reputable institutions. His extensive knowledge is augmented by industry-recognized certifications in ITIL Foundations, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA Strata IT, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner, and Six Sigma (Black Belt).

Investors will find in Joe a remarkable entrepreneur who possesses the unique combination of deep industry knowledge, a strong leadership pedigree, and an unwavering commitment to transforming education through technology. His track record of success and passion for driving positive change make him a compelling choice for investment opportunities.