Scott Hathcock, President and CEO of Moonshot, is a visionary leader with a deep passion for entrepreneurship and storytelling. With nearly two decades of experience in the television industry, Scott has mastered the art of pitching creative series to major cable networks, driving network distribution growth by harnessing the power of narrative. His unique blend of entertainment and business acumen led to the successful rebranding of 'NACET' to 'Moonshot,' transforming it into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs across Arizona. Scott’s leadership has empowered countless startups through strategic mentorship, resource provision, and innovative programming.
In addition to his role at Moonshot, Scott created and co-produces the annual Rural AZ Pitch Tour and Competition, a statewide initiative that spotlights and supports rural entrepreneurs. His commitment to fostering innovation extends to his strategic work with nonprofit boards and economic development initiatives, where he applies his storytelling expertise to drive measurable results. Scott’s dedication to building collaborative ecosystems and his hands-on approach have made him a key figure in Arizona’s entrepreneurial landscape. |
Donna Eastman Liddle is an Executive Professional with over 30 years of extensive training in all aspects of nonprofit and for-profit management. Her roles include twelve years as a Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, attaining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) certification, and serving in this industry for 20 years as a local and state business leader. With many years of experience built upon diverse roles including Main Street and downtown revitalization, finance, grant writing, workforce development, property management, events, sales, economic and business development, as well as state and regional tourism marketing - she has a relevant and dynamic range of experience to draw upon for solutions to current business challenges. Donna recently attained her Certification for Entrepreneurship Center Management (ECM) from InBIA which is the premier industry credential for staff of incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, small business development centers, and other entrepreneurship programs.
Donna also has twenty-five years of professional experience in the Arts and owns her own small business. This gives her the intuitive ability to utilize creative solutions to solve everyday challenges. The same processes that work out challenges in a painting are amazingly like professional problems we face (too busy, overworked, trying to define your center of interest, always looking for a good critique!). Complimenting future endeavors, she is also completing certification as an Art Therapy Practitioner. Having always maintained the importance of being a team player, is the realization that our success is just part of the intertwining work accomplished by every expert associated with the enterprising ideas we launch. Connecting to others who contribute positively imparts a dynamic palette to an amazing and colorful journey! |
Kiersten Hathcock, Chief Marketing Officer for Moonshot, is no stranger to entrepreneurship. In 2003, Kiersten left a marketing career with A&E and The History Channel to spend more time with her kids and built an internationally-known furniture company out of her Los Angeles garage. After four years of crafting and selling over 300 kids’ furniture items, Kiersten braved ABC’s Shark Tank and won an investment deal. Kiersten's designs have been featured in TV shows, People Magazine, New York Times, LA Times, and international design books. Her award-winning furniture line was sought after by celebrities, interior designers, and retailers around the globe for 17 years.
Today, Kiersten leads marketing for Moonshot, co-produces our annual statewide Pitch Tour Competition, and mentors entrepreneurs across Arizona and beyond. She is also a professional speaker, published author (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster), and co-founder of New York-based nonprofit, The National Institute for Law and Justice. |
Angela Hamby, Director of Campus Operations, has served in leadership roles across Northern Arizona for more than 25 years. Prior to joining Moonshot in 2019, Angela managed operations, accounting, and fundraising for Flagstaff Youth Chorale, William Mountaineers 4-H Club, and Master Chorale of Flagstaff. Her love for rural Arizona and dedication to Flagstaff’s moonshot-thinking entrepreneurs is evident in all she does. Shortly after starting as Moonshot’s Operations Coordinator six years ago, Angela was quickly promoted to various organizational roles before accepting the role of campus director in 2024.
Today, Angela resides in Williams, Arizona with her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Allison. When she’s not on managing the Flagstaff Campus, you’ll find her co-leading her beloved church, The Gathering at Shiloh, and volunteering as board treasurer for Shiloh in the Pines Campground in Williams, Arizona. |
Aspen Poturalski joined Moonshot in October 2024 as Campus Coordinator, combining her passion for community-building and operational efficiency to support the campus and its mission. In addition to her role at Moonshot, Aspen serves as the Director of Operations for High Ridge Leadership, overseeing program logistics for leadership development initiatives aimed at fostering social resilience and environmental sustainability. Outside of work, she is pursuing a certificate in Functional Diagnostics, driven by a fascination for the interconnectedness of soil health and human well-being. With a background in the health and wellness industry, she brings a unique perspective on the connections between personal welfare and effective leadership. When Aspen isn't working or studying, you'll likely find her by the ocean or on the peaks amongst the aspens, her favorite escapes from copious amounts of screen time.
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Cynthia Magallanes Entrepreneurship Success Specialist Cynthia Magallanes is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and trauma life coach with a deep passion for creativity, business, and advocacy. In 2013, she began her entrepreneurial journey by founding a successful socially-minded bridal boutique and a nonprofit dedicated to helping abuse survivors. As her career evolved, Cynthia channeled her love for storytelling and advocacy into becoming a published children's book author, crafting engaging and imaginative stories that have captivated young minds and earned praise from parents and educators alike. In addition to her literary work, Cynthia collaborates with her husband as a business coach, using their combined expertise to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through strategic planning, effective marketing strategies, and fostering a resilient mindset. With her multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship, Cynthia continues to inspire others, blending creativity, business acumen, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in both the advocacy and business worlds. |
Alex Magallanes Entrepreneurship Success Specialist Alex Magallanes has been coaching small business owners for over eight years and is passionate about developing our community's economy through entrepreneurship advocacy. He enjoys connecting with people, finding creative ways to grow their small businesses, and providing innovative ideas for his clients. Alex holds a bachelor's in Ministerial Arts through Epic Bible College and BA in Marketing Analytics from Liberty University. He currently lives in Sahuarita, AZ, where he enjoys his community along with his wife and three children. |
Bruce Sobczak Entrepreneurship Success Specialist Bruce Sobczak, Principal Consultant with SOBO Associates LLC, is a transformational leader experienced in organizational leadership, engineering, production, quality, and workforce training operations doing business in Asia, Europe, Mexico and across the US. Notable positions include Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Director of Production Engineering, Director of Workforce Training, Director of Economic Development, Principal Consultant, Adjunct Faculty, Keynote Speaker, and Conference Panelist. Community service includes numerous board memberships and committee chairmanships for the Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Career Works Workforce Development Board, Virginia Department of Corrections, Coconino County Workforce Development Board, and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. |
Patricia Sobczak Entrepreneurship Success Specialist Patricia Sobczak, Ph.D. Principal Consultant with SOBO Associates LLC, specializes in organizational and leadership development. She has a doctorate in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA. Patricia has been actively researching and teaching leadership development in a variety of settings and disciplines for almost 25 years. Her dissertation analyzed how adult players of a commercial-off-the-shelf massively multiplayer online video game (MMOG) used the leadership skills gained in the game to inform their leadership development in the workplace. From this study, a new approach to leadership development, ephemeral leadership emerged. Dr. Sobczak also has an MBA and graduate degrees in Library Science and Human and Organizational Systems. Prior to her career in academia, Dr. Sobczak worked in private industry as a program manager, industrial and manufacturing engineer, and a sales/account executive. |
Our Board of DirectorsJill Howard Allen (Board Chair) Director, Industry Engagement Research Development Services - University of Arizona Molly Davies (Vice Chair) Economic Development Director - Town of Camp Verde Jennifer Nordstrom (Treasurer) CPA & Shareholder, Nordstrom and Associates David Johns (Secretary) Business & Intellectual Property Law Counsel - Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLP Robert Theobald , MBA VP Small Business/Small Business Ombudsman - Arizona Commerce Authority Mackenzie Fitz-Gerald Economic Development Associate - APS Andre Whittington Executive Director, Growth Partners Arizona David McIntire (Ex-Officio) Community Investment Director - City of Flagstaff Paul Sciame PAS Technology & Ventures Our Advisory BoardMichael Groeger
VP Commercial Group & Specialty Sales – BCBS of Arizona Phoenix, AZ Shareé Hurts Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships – APS Phoenix, AZ Adam Fuess Senior Client Advisor, ACA – Manufacturing Extension Partner Phoenix, AZ Danny Knee Executive Director - Community Investment Corporation (CIC) Tucson, AZ Alison Applin Director of Community Engagement – NAU Flagstaff, AZ Barbra Coffee Economic Initiatives Director – City of Tucson Tucson, AZ Tiffany Bisconer, CPA, MS, MAFM R&D Tax Credit Specialist - Emplifi Consulting Phoenix, AZ Bonnie Stevens Public Relations Consultant – Flagstaff Business Journal Flagstaff, AZ Jesse Carstens Sr. Director, Products - Deckers Brands |
"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Christopher Robin Amanda Kristinat served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for six years. Without Amanda, Moonshot wouldn't be what it is today. She was an incredible leader, mentor, and friend to all who knew her. She is and will always be greatly missed. |
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