MARINA, CA – The Monterey Bay Tech Hub, a collaborative effort focused on fostering advanced air mobility (AAM) and driving economic prosperity in the tri-county region, has announced the formation of its Leadership Council. This esteemed group of regional leaders represents various industries and sectors across Monterey Bay. They share a common goal: to leverage AAM technologies to create significant economic opportunities and job growth in San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties.

“The formation of the Leadership Council is a significant milestone for the Monterey Bay Tech Hub, marking a significant advancement in our journey,” said Executive Director of Monterey Bay DART Josh Metz “With their wealth of experience and expertise, these leaders will play a pivotal role in positioning our region as a leader in the AAM industry.”

The Leadership Council will focus on critical areas such as:

• Workforce development: Ensuring the tri-county region has a skilled workforce prepared to support the growth of the AAM industry.
• Regional infrastructure: Developing the infrastructure needed to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and hydrogen-fueled technologies.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Cultivating an innovation ecosystem that empowers AAM startups and businesses to thrive.

“I am honored to be part of this groundbreaking initiative,” said Executive Director of Monterey Bay DART Josh Metz “By working together, we can unlock the immense potential of AAM and create a future of prosperity for our region.”

Leadership Council Members:

• 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, Founder & CEO, 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 to 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 DART

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technologies (DART) initiative is a non-profit dedicated to advancing innovation and creating high-road career pathways in the fields of drone, automation, and robotics technology. To learn more, visit: montereybaydart.org.

About the Monterey Bay Tech Hub:

The Monterey Bay Tech Hub is a coalition of regional stakeholders committed to advancing AAM opportunities in the tri-county region. Founding members include the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART. To learn more, visit: mbtechhub.org.