Meet the board

Dr. Groth owns Groth Development Services, a real estate development company and Economic Technologies, a real estate holding company.  He is also Co-Owner of Groth Rutherford Properties, an investment firm with ownership in Commercial Office Parks, Ranching, and Aerospace Engineering.  Dr. Groth formerly served as the Chief Executive Officer of a Defense Contracting Company and as an Associate Vice President at the University of Arizona.  He was also the Founding Dean at the University of Arizona South.  He served as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Arizona under three Presidents and seven Secretaries of the Army.  Dr. Groth taught Accounting, Business, and Economics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is published,  He and his wife Jan, have two children.  EDUCATION:  Ph.D., University of Arizona, 1990  Master of Arts, University of Northern Colorado, 1981   Bachelor of Science, Missouri State University, 1974  MILITARY SERVICE:  1975 - 1977 Officer, U.S. Army Signal Corps   1977-1981 U.S. Army Reserves.    

Dr. Gary Packard, Jr. is the founding Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the University of Arizona, located in Sierra Vista. In this role, Gary leads the University’s newest college in the development and implementation of a broad strategic vision for growing the college’s programs at all levels. You can read more about the college at www.azcast.arizona.edu.  A retired Brigadier General with a career spanning over 37 years as an Air Force Officer, Gary served as a pilot, instructor pilot, evaluator, deployed Director of Staff, Operations Officer and Commander.  He finished his flying career with over 3,900 hours in military aircraft.  In addition, Gary also served nearly 20 years at the United Stated Air Force Academy as an Instructor, Permanent Professor, Department Head, and Vice Dean.  Gary served at the Pentagon as writer on the influential 2010 DoD study that led to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.    Gary earned a doctorate in Developmental Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a focus on social network influences on leadership and professional military development for cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, a master’s degree in Counseling from Michigan State University, a masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from the United States Air Force Academy

Rachel Hansen is an active real estate agent with Long Realty Company and is proud to represent Southern Arizona’s largest home builder, R.L. Workman Homes. Beyond her real estate career, she feels a strong commitment to serving her community and growing southern Arizona. She currently serves on the executive committee and as scholarship chair of The University South Foundation which provides higher education scholarships to students in Cochise County. She was also the previous president of the Sierra Vista Industrial Development Authority. Rachel attended the University of Arizona and studied History and Government and Public Service. 

A Pennsylvanian native, she has been proud to call southern Arizona her home for close to a decade. Rachel, her husband Matthew, and their two young children reside in Hereford. 

Dr. Joe Puett is a 30 year Army Veteran having retired from the Army in 2012 at the rank of Colonel. He served both as an Artilleryman in the 82d Airborne Division and as an Information Systems Officer in multiple assignments. His career highlights include two tours of teaching at West Point, teaching both Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology; a tour as an Exchange Officer to the UK, helping the British Army develop their next generation Field Artillery computer system; and a tour in Afghanistan, helping the Afghan Government build and improve their Fiber Optic infrastructure. 

Prior to retiring, Joe served three tours at Ft Huachuca: first as NETCOM’s Inspector General, next as NETCOM’s G5 in charge of the Engineering of the Army’s Computer Infrastructure, and finally as the Commander of

the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC).

Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree from West Point and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CalTech. He has also earned an MBA from Long Island University, and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. Joe earned his PhD in Software Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Jason became the CEO of SSVEC in June of 2022, but Jason joined SSVEC in 2006,

following a career in transportation and logistics.

Jason joined SSVEC in Human Resources, where he worked to attract, develop,

and retain top talent to achieve the Cooperative’s strategic priorities and serve

its members. Over time, he also took responsibility for employee safety, strategic

planning, and leadership development.

Jason currently serves on the board of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of

Commerce and is a past Chairman of the board. He currently chairs the

Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee. Jason has served on other community

boards for years.

Jason was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. He received his bachelor’s degree in

Psychology from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern New

Hampshire University. Jason and his wife, Angie, have four children, Troy, Abby,

Seth, and Grace.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative is a member-owned distribution

electric utility serving over 53,000 members in Southeast Arizona.

Chris is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 and current Department of the Army Civilian. He retired in 2010 from the Military Intelligence Excepted Career Program after serving more than 21 years as an Arabic linguist, Signals Intelligence NCO, and Human Intelligence Officer. Chris has an extensive background in controlled source operations, strategic debriefing, intelligence interrogation, operations and staff management, and as a contracting officer’s representative. He participated in interrogations during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, conducted and managed HUMINT operations in Balkans in 2000 and 2001, as well as in Iraq and several other locations during the Global War on Terror. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he managed a team of interrogators dealing with the high value detainees in US custody while working closely with analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the CIA, the FBI, and the Department of Energy. Since 2010, Chris has been an Army Civilian and has served in various staff and leadership positions at the DoD Human Intelligence Training Joint Center of Excellence (HT-JCoE) on Ft. Huachuca. Some of his positions at HT-JCOE have been Director of the Defense Advanced Tradecraft Course, Chief of the Interrogation Directorate, the Chief of Operations, and the Senior Advisor for Overt and Clandestine HUMINT. He is currently serving as the HT-JCOE J5, where he is responsible for Strategic Planning and Change Management. Chris is a native of Atlantic Beach, Florida, and holds a BS in National Security Policy Studies from Excelsior University. His lovely wife, Kristina, is a native of California, and they have three adult children.

Former Deputy to the Commanding General , USAICoE Fort Huachuca, AZ. A 31.7 Year Soldier including 27 years of commissioned service. As an enlisted Soldier was an Interrogator, German language trained. Was commissioned via OCS and detailed Infantry serving 4 years as an INF Officer. Commanded an INF HHC in 4-22 IN (25TH ID), and 309th MI BN. Served as ACE Chief, BDE S2, BN XO, BDE DCO and Theater Army G2. Recently served as Deputy Commander for Training at the US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, and Chief of Staff.

A leader from every seat of the table with compassion and competence Ramona Michelle McCaa, Chief Executive Officer and President of 3D Management and

Consulting, LLC is the epitome powerhouse leader and “People First” advocate in business and

community. With her legacy built on experience, trust, competence and passion for service,

Ramona provides a first-class customer experience that reflects her personal journey of

excellence. Her top-level leadership mindset and talents set the standard needed to lead others into the future.

A native of St Louis, Missouri and the wife of Clea McCaa II, Ramona has two children. Her story is one of tragedy and triumph, poverty and prosperity. After one conversation with Ramona, it will become apparent that “she understands your story as well. She makes you feel as though she’s been there, and will offer advice on navigating a strategy to change situations or circumstances with empathy.

It was evident that Ramona’s professional occupation was founded in the Army Acquisition

Corps. Her love for people and commitment to excellence propelled the launch of her business, 3D Management & Consulting, LLC (3DMC), a few years after retirement.

Ramona attributes her leadership style to her service in the military. She served as a military

analyst for the Directorate of Doctrine and Intelligence System Training at Fort Huachuca,

Arizona, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence. She also served as the senior acquisition

officer. In her role, Ramona led the execution of the Army’s acquisition function and the

acquisition management system. Her responsibilities included providing oversight for the total

life cycle management and sustainment of Army military intelligence systems and equipment from research and development through test and evaluation, acquisition, logistics, fielding, and disposition.

A proud graduate of Lincoln University (LU), Jefferson City Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology. Ramona holds a master’s degree in management from Troy State

University in Yongsan, Republic of Korea, 1997 and is a graduate of both the Command and General Staff College (CGSC). After serving the Principal Deputy for” New System Training and Integration Directorate”, Ramona retired in 2009 as a Lieutenant Colonel, 51C, Level III certified Acquisition Contracting Officer.

Ramona is the ultimate no-limit leader that encompasses the full package of humility, compassion, influence and innovation at every seat that she holds. Above all else, she understands the human connection needed before shaking hands to do business- successfully..

Shaun Phillips is the CEO at Canyon Vista Medical Center, part of LifePoint Health.  Shaun holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and completed Honors undergraduate work with highest distinction from Ferris State University. He completed a general practice residency at Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon, MI. He also completed intensive research training in pharmacology with The Upjohn/Pharmacia Company, Perrigo, and Michigan State University. He also holds an MBA in integrated management from Michigan State University. He also has earned Fellow status with the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety.

 He is currently Jacobs Technology Range Operations Group, Director of Operations for the Joint Interoperability Test Command contract. Prior to this position, he was Senior Vice President of ManTech's - Mission Support Services Group, based out of Sierra Vista, responsible for Test and Evaluation of Defense systems requiring independent verification and
validation. In his 22 years with ManTech, he performed in several roles including Regional SVP, Business Unit General Manager, Project and Program Manager providing technical support and services at the Defense  Information Systems Agency, Joint Interoperability Test Command.  He has over 46 years'
experience in the field of Communications information systems network design, maintenance and operations, facility management; and  business development, operations, and management. 

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems.  For eight-years he served as an adjunct faculty member in the  management, Information
Technology, Business, and Research Departments at Western International University. He is Program Management  Professional (PMP) Certified.

He is also the Co-owner with his wife, Diane, of DW Ricks Group, LLC, a woman-owned, minority owned, Home-based Small Business in Sierra Vista, dba
Butternut Street Custom Awards & Gifts. Their blended family consist of 4 adult children and 7 Grandchildren.

Community involvement: 
.       Sierra Vista (SV) Area Chamber Interim Executive Director; July through August 2018 . SV Area Chamber Board - former Chairman of the Board (2009- 2010) .  SV Area Chamber Military Affair Committee (MAC) - Current Co-Chair . Rotary International, member since 2005
. Huachuca 50, current Board Member.  International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA), Huachuca Chapter VP (2017)
. National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) - current Member
.  Thunder Vette Set (TVS) Corvette Car Club (501c3) - current NCCC
Governor .  University of Arizona Foundation - current Treasurer
 

Jennifer Sorenson was born in Green Bay, Wisc., and started her career in media at the Green Bay Press-Gazette.  During her 29-year career in media marketing she has held top advertising positions with the Portland Press Herald in Maine, Southwest Newspapers in Minnesota, director of advertising for Great Falls Tribune Media in Great Falls, Montana and has been the publisher for Herald/Review Media since July of 2017.   She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in advertising and public relations and a minor in news editorial. 

Matt Walsh was born and raised in Fresno, California where he attended the Fresno campus of California State University System and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in June, 1983.

In June 1985 after two years working for Intel Corp. as an Industrial Engineer, Mr. Walsh started his employment with the US Army at the Sacramento Army Depot of the US Army Depot Systems Command.  In 1993, Mr. Walsh moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona where he served first as the Business Process Reengineering and Quality Management Consultant for the Commander of the United States Army Signal Command.  

In September, 1995, Mr. Walsh transitioned to the US Army Garrison Headquarters on Ft. Huachuca as a Strategic Planner before receiving promotion in March 2003 into the Office of the Commanding General, US Army Intelligence Center and Ft. Huachuca where he assumed leadership of the newly formed Office of Strategic Management.  His first assignment in his new position was to develop a BRAC strategy for the installation that aligned with, and incorporated, all the missions of the diverse partner organizations operating at Ft. Huachuca.  Mr. Walsh also served as the point person for the installation providing coordinated response to Dept. of Army and DoD scenarios during the BRAC deliberative process. As a result of this coordinated effort, Ft. Huachuca was listed in the top 25% of Army Installations in terms of Military Value which established a solid foundation for the post during the deliberative process that followed. 

Mr. Walsh culminated his service to the US Army and Ft. Huachuca serving as the Executive Liaison Assistant to the Commanding General on public policy concerns for Ft. Huachuca at both the Federal level with the US Congress, as well as the State level for the Office of the Governor and the Arizona State Legislature.  During his 20 years of service in this position spanning more than 10 different Installation Commanding Generals, the post saw seven pieces of major state legislation passed supporting mission capabilities in the electronic ranges as well as the special use restricted airspace in southeast Arizona. Mr. Walsh became a Fellow at the Flinn Brown Civic Leadership Academy in 2013 and retired from active civilian service with the US Army in Jan 2023.