Welcome — and thank you for attending The Chamber’s forum on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The economies of the three North American countries are tightly entwined, and the reauthorization of the USMCA by Congress this summer is of the utmost importance to the prosperity of our region, state, and nation. Today’s discussions will explore the real-world impacts of the USMCA on local business, trade, and workforce development and how we can work together for policies that will help us all thrive.
We’re glad you’re here.

Joe Snell
President & CEO, The Chamber of Southern Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs
State of Arizona
Born and raised in Arizona, Governor Hobbs has spent her life exemplifying hard work and public service. After putting herself through college at both NAU and ASU, she began her career as a social worker working with homeless youth and later helped run one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country. After seeing her fellow Arizonans continue to struggle with little action from the government, Governor Hobbs decided to take matters into her own hands and run for office. After being elected to the Arizona House in 2010, Governor Hobbs went on to serve in the Arizona State Legislature for four terms, including two as Senate Minority Leader. After working across the aisle to deliver for Arizonans, Governor Hobbs saw an opportunity to use her leadership skills to serve Arizonans across the state. In 2018, she was elected Secretary of State, where she successfully oversaw a contentious election cycle and forcefully defended the votes and voices of every single Arizonan. Seeing her home state at a critical turning point, Governor Hobbs made the decision to run for Governor, and in 2022 was elected the fifth woman, and also fifth Arizona native, to lead the state. With over a decade of public service, Governor Hobbs sees her role in government as a continuation of her social work. In her first term, she has already moved the needle forward on some of our state’s most critical issues, including housing, water security, and economic development. Governor Hobbs approaches every situation and every challenge with a desire to make people’s lives better and give every Arizonan an opportunity to thrive.
PANELISTS
Sandy Hodgkinson
SVP for Strategy and M&A
Bombardier
Sandra Hodgkinson oversees Strategy and M&A at Bombardier as Senior Vice President. In her role, Ms. Hodgkinson is responsible for driving Bombardier’s growth organically and strategically, through mergers and acquisitions across all key business segments, including Bombardier Defense and Services. Ms. Hodgkinson has more than 25 years of experience in strategy, corporate development, defense, and law. From 2012 to 2025, she led Strategy and Corporate Development at Leonardo DRS, where she executed multiple M&A mandates, led the company’s strategic planning, and served on the new subsidiary Board of Directors following the DRS reverse-merger into RADA Technologies. Prior to her work in the public sector and defense industry, Ms. Hodgkinson has had a distinguished, decorated career focused on international law and foreign defense affairs having held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Defense, State Department, and The White House, as well as during active and reserve service in the U.S. Navy, reaching the rank of Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps. Ms. Hodgkinson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Naval Submarine League Board of Directors. She will maintain a strong presence at our Montreal headquarters, regularly traveling between our Washington office and Montréal.
Giovanni Garcin
President
Micromex Inc.
As the President of Micromex, Inc., I am dedicated to driving the growth and expansion of our company by developing new business opportunities across manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, reverse logistics, and e-commerce. My focus is on strategic growth, business development, operational excellence, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure Micromex, Inc. remains a leader in the industry. With over a decade of experience in various leadership roles, I have honed my skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and team leadership. My commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability drives me to continuously exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. Feel free to connect with me to discuss opportunities, collaborations, or industry insights. Let's work together to achieve success and make a positive impact.
Georgina Felix
Director of Operations & Foreign Affairs
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
I am the Director of Operations and International Affairs of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA). I've worked in the produce industry for 20 years, mainly on government and industry relations, and international trade. One of the things that I like the most about my job is working to ensure the access of fruits and vegetables to North America.
8:00 AM – 9:20 AM
Expo Booths open
9:20 AM
Summit Kickoff
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Tomás Díaz De La Rubia
Senior VP for Research & Innovation, University of Arizona
“University Of Arizona Research That Shapes The Future”
10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Scott McKain
Author and CEO, The Distinction Group
“AI-Driven Leadership: Thriving in Turbulent Times”
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Ron Cates
Founding Team, Constant Contact
“Digital Marketing Demystifie”
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Break
12:00 PM
Luncheon Keynote
Address/Q&A/ Lunch
12:30 – 1:00pm
Sam Deneke
President, Air & Space Defense Systems, Raytheon
“The State of Raytheon”