University of Advancing Technology’s (UAT) Provost Dr. David Bolman is the first tech-based Board President that Valley Leadership has elected, bringing to the table a combined perspective of education, technology and innovation.
Historically, leaders in technology have not been hugely involved in community outreach, but Dr. Bolman, as well as UAT as a whole, has always found opportunities to connect, engage and give back to the community.
As the first tech-based President serving VL, Bolman said, “This is a crucial time for the Valley to develop a growing technology workforce, locally. It’s important to build a pipeline of new generations in STEAM careers, which is a goal that UAT strives to work toward. UAT provides students with the newest technology and gives them the opportunity to create innovative products and to solve real-world problems. We should highly encourage the next generation to get involved with technology as much as possible, because they are the future change makers that our community needs.”
By drawing from the expertise of the State’s most respected and influential business, civic and community leaders, VL provides real-time realities surrounding the most important issues shaping our community today, and in the future. As the Valley’s premier leadership organization, VL boasts a proven and long-standing track record of making deep impacts on the community. Their flagship program, the Leadership Institute, has produced nearly 2,000 alumni―83 percent of which still reside in Arizona.
VL curates each Leadership Institute cohort through a robust selection and matching process that builds a diverse group primed to deepen their passions and advance their pursuits. Earlier this month, 53 proven leaders graduated from the nine-month leadership program, which requires attendance at nine issue-focused program days in addition to the significant group work, community tours, and other program obligations.
During Bolman’s time as a Board leader, VL has developed and launched the CEO Advisory Circle, bringing high-level decision makers in the business community together help identify and outline future leadership needs in a fast-paced, ever-changing landscape. Additionally, he helped lead the efforts around a 40 percent increase in alumni programming, including an ongoing mentorship program.
“That’s what Valley Leadership does as a program, it’s all about connecting leaders to solve the puzzles of the Valley,” said Bolman. “I love the Valley because it’s a place where residents can actually make things happen. If you are passionate about making change in the community, Valley Leadership is an opportunity to do so,” said Bolman.
