Silicon Oasis Board Member Sandra Watson Named 2026 Woman of the Year

By Kyle Macdonald, COO of Silicon Oasis

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority and a member of the Silicon Oasis Board of Directors, has been named the Arizona Capitol Times’ 2026 Woman of the Year.

Watson was selected from more than 100 nominees for the annual Women Achievers of Arizona recognition, which celebrates women making significant contributions to Arizona through leadership, innovation and service.

Her recognition comes as Arizona continues to strengthen its position as one of the country’s fastest-emerging destinations for technology, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

As President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Watson has been at the center of Arizona’s economic development efforts, helping position the state to compete for companies, investment and jobs in industries shaping the next generation of the economy.

For Silicon Oasis, we are especially proud to have Sandra serving on our Board of Directors.

Building a top-five technology ecosystem requires more than great startups. It requires coordination between founders, investors, universities, corporations, economic development organizations and public-sector leaders. Sandra has spent years helping build those connections and strengthening Arizona’s ability to compete on a national and global stage.

Her selection as 2026 Woman of the Year is well-deserved recognition of that leadership and of the broader impact she continues to have across Arizona.

Congratulations to Sandra and all of the 2026 Women Achievers of Arizona honorees.

Arizona’s innovation economy is being built by leaders across our state, and we’re proud to have Sandra helping lead the way as we continue building the Silicon Oasis.

By Kyle Macdonald, COO, Silicon Oasis

Source: Arizona Capitol Times, “Women Achievers of Arizona winners — 2026,” September 3, 2026.