Phoenix, Ariz., March 30, 2023 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF®) is pleased to announce Mario Muzurovic, Vice President and Nonprofit Commercial Banker for National Bank of Arizona, and Eric Rodriguez, Education Regional Director at Intel, will join the Board of Trustees.
Mario Muzurovic
Vice President and Nonprofit Commercial Banker for National Bank of Arizona
As Vice President and Nonprofit Commercial Banker for National Bank of Arizona, Mario focuses on identifying customized solutions for his clients to ensure that they align with their current and future needs. He caters to nonprofit organizations across Arizona. A veteran banker with more than 17 years’ experience, Mario facilitates the many products and services available from NB|AZ. From treasury management services, lending and credit assistance and everything in between, Mario manages the financial needs, while taking time to understand the unique goals of nonprofit organization. Prior to joining the financial services sector, Mario received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas.
Mario currently volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, Arizona Helping Hands, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and Midwest Food Bank Arizona Division.
Eric Rodriguez
Education Regional Director at Intel
At the age of eleven, Eric's family moved from Houston to Ecuador. The experience was a complete culture shock, to see communities in poverty for the first time right in front of him. Eric learned about inequality and the impact education can have in closing the poverty gap in developing countries.
His perspective of what was possible began to take shape in the seventh grade at El Colegio Javier in Ecuador. The school opened its first computer lab, and his class was the first group of students to use it. Within minutes students were able to go online and feel connected with the rest of the world. From that day on, Eric knew he wanted to learn more about the role technology would have in the new century.
The experience in Ecuador is what drives him today to ensure we continue to use technology for good and help prepare the next generation for the speed and disruption of the digital 21st century. Eric has led technology programs, workshops, and talks in Arizona, New York, Texas, Louisiana, California, Swaziland, and Ecuador. His impact with organizations such as Aguila Youth, SHPE, Prospanica, Intel Foundation, and INROADS led him to be recognized on Arizona’s 40 Under 40 list and Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever.
He is a global leader in the technology sector, currently Education Regional Director at Intel and keynote speaker on exponential future. Over his professional career, Eric has held roles in engineering, operations, chief of staff, human resources, project, program, and product management. Eric holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and an MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Providing programs to support public education in Arizona has been AEF’s mission since it was founded in 1983 by then Superintendent of Public Instruction, Carolyn Warner. AEF is most well-known for programs like the Arizona Teacher of the Year®, A+ School of Excellence®, Arizona Spelling Bee, teachSTEM, Our World, and the Take Your Legislator to School programs.
“Serving on the Arizona Educational Foundation board is such an honor,” states Dr. Pam Roggeman, AEF Board President. “Both Mario and Eric have a history of dedication to Arizona public schools and students that directly aligns with AEF’s mission. We’re thrilled to welcome them aboard.”
Muzurovic and Rodriguez’s appointments to the AEF Board are for a two-year term.
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About Arizona Educational Foundation, AEF®
The mission of AEF is to celebrate excellence and cultivate equity in Pre-K-12th grade Arizona public education. This is accomplished through a variety of programs for teachers, administrators, and students. Some programs shine a spotlight on excellence; others provide a stepping stone to help support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness. In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year® program, AEF also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence® Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM, Our World, and Take Your Legislator to School. AEF was founded in 1983, by then State Superintendent of Public Education, Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the great work of public school educators. AEF annually reaches over 500,000 students, teachers and administrators throughout Arizona. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org, or contact info@azedfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Terri Bradford, Director of Communications, Arizona Educational Foundation
Mobile: 720-468-3996 | Email: terri@azedfoundation.org