For Immediate Release: September 3, 2025


BRENT J. STACEY TO BE INDUCTED INTO IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL HALL OF FAME 2025 "UNCHARTED BRILLIANCE" GALA TO CELEBRATE INNOVATION AND THE GREATER IDAHO TECH ECOSYSTEM


Boise, Idaho - Brent J. Stacey, founder and Past Chair of the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) and retired Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Associate Laboratory Director, is the 2025 inductee into the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) Hall of Fame. Since 2010, the ITC has honored iconic Idahoans who have advanced society and created a lasting impact in Idaho's technology ecosystem. The Hall of Fame inductees are nominated by the ITC Executive Committee with the winner selected by the ITC Board of Trustees.

Stacey brings over 40 years of experience in leadership, innovative technology strategy and risk-based cybersecurity solutions. As founder of IRON in 2007, he advanced Idaho's mission to connect higher education institutions to Idaho National Laboratory's assets and researchers, enabling Idaho students to succeed in competitive markets. Today, IRON supports Idaho's entire nonprofit community and higher education with reliable, high-speed, and affordable networking solutions.

At INL, Stacey led the National and Homeland Security mission as Associate Laboratory Director, overseeing national security technology, nuclear nonproliferation, critical infrastructure protection, and defense systems. He previously served as INL's Chief Information Officer and Director of Technology Deployment, transforming the laboratory's technology commercialization efforts. Before joining INL, he served as CIO for Argonne National Laboratory and co-founded SRV.net, among the earliest Internet service providers in the Pacific Northwest.

Stacey's distinguished career includes recognition as Idaho's Information Technology Executive of the Year in 2002, induction into the CIO Hall of Fame by CIO magazine in 2010, and recognition as a Premier 100 IT Leader by Computerworld in 2012.

This year's Hall of Fame celebration embraces the theme "Uncharted Brilliance," honoring the pioneers lighting the way forward in an era defined by rapid transformation and relentless innovation. The theme celebrates the daring visionaries, bold technologists, and creative problem-solvers navigating new frontiers in technology with clarity, courage, and brilliance.

"Brent exemplifies the spirit of Uncharted Brilliance that defines Idaho's tech ecosystem," said Diane Temple, ITC President and CEO. "His leadership in connecting Idaho's research institutions, advancing cybersecurity solutions, and fostering technology commercialization has had a transformative impact on Idaho's innovation landscape. We're proud to recognize his exceptional contributions to our state's technological advancement."

2025 Idavation™ Award Finalists

The 2025 Idavation™ Award Finalists highlight the breadth and depth of innovation across Idaho. Through a public nomination process and a vote by the ITC Board of Trustees, three finalists are selected in each category and honored at the Gala. The winner in each category will be announced live on stage.

Mt. Borah Visionary Leader Award, which is given to a leader who has expanded the horizons of Idaho's technology and entrepreneurial community:

  • Chris Morgan, Bastian Solutions - Has been part of Idaho's innovative and tech community for over 22 years and currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Bastian Solutions, part of Toyota Automated Logistics companies. He leads one of Idaho's most innovative hardware, software, firmware, and cyber teams, designing world-class solutions with robotics for autonomous driving forklifts and other vehicles that serve customers globally. Previously serving 13 years at HP with his final role as Engineering Robotics Manager, Chris has been a key advocate for technology and innovation, creating unity to ignite creative spirit for highest quality emerging technologies. His amazing energy, optimism, and solution-focused approach make him a world-class leader and advocate for growing talent and intellectual property in Idaho.
  • President Scott Green, University of Idaho - Since his appointment in 2019, has positioned the University of Idaho as the first and only institution in Idaho to achieve prestigious Carnegie Research Level 1 (R1) classification, joining an elite list of 187 of the most impactful research institutions in the country. Under his leadership, U of I achieved record research expenditures of $135.9 million in fiscal year 2023, generating more research expenditures than all other Idaho higher education institutions combined. His strategic investments and guidance have led to breakthrough research in cybersecurity, agriculture, rangeland health, and biomedical sciences, directly benefiting Idaho's economy and national security. Through initiatives like the Center for Secure and Dependable Solutions, groundbreaking sage-grouse research, successful potato pest eradication, and the 25-year INBRE biomedical network, President Green has demonstrated how university research drives innovation and economic resilience across Idaho.
  • Prabhat Tripathy, Idaho National Laboratory - A distinguished scientist making significant contributions to materials science and engineering, particularly in sustainable and clean energy solutions. His work in net zero manufacturing and environmental remediation is positioning Idaho National Laboratory as a leader in clean energy innovation. The commercialization of his invention for fabricating rare earth permanent magnets is particularly noteworthy given the strategic importance of these materials.


Peregrine Innovative Technology Award, which showcases an innovative technology that has been launched successfully:

  • Flashpoint Building Systems - Nick Stoppello - Has redefined construction layout through their patented Integrated Layout System (ILS), which dramatically improves accuracy, efficiency, and speed in the construction process by replacing traditional layout methods with digitally printed subfloor panels that incorporate architectural and structural layout directly. This transformative technology enables builders to eliminate multiple construction steps, reduce costly mistakes, and address the skilled labor shortage by making high-precision layout accessible to less experienced workers. What once took multiple trades and days to complete can now be done by a single crew in hours, with contractors reporting significant time savings and fewer call-backs. Created by builders for builders, Flashpoint has earned traction in a highly skeptical and cost-sensitive market through deep industry insight, technical ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to improving how buildings come together.
  • Lovevery - Co-founded by Jessica Rolph and Roderick Morris, Lovevery is transforming early childhood development through its innovative, research-driven support system for learning and play. Known for its award-winning, stage-based Play Kits program and the companion Lovevery App, the company provides science-backed tools that empower parents with confidence and nurture children’s development from birth. The company has navigated the challenging early-stage gauntlet and emerged with remarkable success, helping parents feel confident they are giving their children exactly what they need for optimal brain development during the early years.
  •  Soiltech Wireless - Ehsan Soltan - Rural Idaho-grown Soiltech Wireless has scaled from an early collaboration with three of Idaho’s largest growers to hundreds of farms across the United States and beyond. Soiltech prides itself on delivering real results: on a 10,000-acre farm, its soil-to-storage monitoring system saves 500 million gallons of water, cuts carbon emissions equal to 250,000 gallons of gasoline, and boosts yields by 4% each year. By turning grower insights into actionable recommendations through its cutting-edge technology, Soiltech is redefining sustainable agriculture whilst helping America’s farmers to do more with less. 


Hells Canyon Emerging Company Award, which recognizes a company that experienced a daunting journey to achieve success:

  • Galena Innovations - Developed a life-saving technology that solves a medical issue with pregnancies that existing devices and procedures fail far too often to resolve. The company's founder has demonstrated tremendous determination and resilience to develop technology, raise capital and face the challenging gauntlet of FDA approval.
  • Vessel - Has bootstrapped their entire journey building a technology company using local resources to solve state, regional, and national problems. Their Smart Assessment Platform equips experts in local, state, federal, and private agencies with technology to assess the needs of local manufacturers, suppliers, and business ecosystems while connecting them to AI-enhanced smart recommendations. The platform collects and visualizes data to identify supply chain gaps and provides industry-level benchmarking across workforce pipeline, supply chain, and technology readiness. Vessel is deeply committed to reshoring US manufacturing through small-to-medium sized manufacturers and creating a more resilient US economy.
  • ioAire Inc - Founded and led by CEO Tom, an accomplished entrepreneur with 28 patents who has successfully founded and exited two prior tech companies. ioAire represents a massively disruptive technology primed for growth in the next generation of AI-connected devices for IoT. The company's innovative solutions provide highly improved connectivity over distance and obstacles, positioning it as a game-changer in the connectivity space.


Star Garnet Women Leading Tech Award (Inaugural Award), recognizing exceptional women driving innovation and leadership in Idaho's technology sector:

  • Carolyn Hovde Bohach, Distinguished Professor, University of Idaho - Has led Idaho's NIH INBRE program for over 20 years, transforming Idaho's biomedical research landscape and elevating all higher education institutions in the state. Her leadership has fostered 2,076 scientific publications, 7,080 scientific presentations, and secured 629 new research grants, making her a nationally recognized advocate for biomedical sciences and mentorship. She has received multiple prestigious awards including the National W. Fred Taylor PhD Award, University of Idaho Faculty Member of the Year, and is a Fellow of the AAAS. NIH INBRE Directors across the country look to Carolyn as a mentor and her Idaho INBRE program as the "Gold Standard," with Governor Little recently declaring August as Idaho INBRE month in recognition of her transformative impact.
  • Elizabeth Hopkins, a native of Idaho and proud graduate of Boise State University with both a Bachelor of Science and an Executive MBA, has served as President & CEO of Sapidyne Instruments Inc. since 2015. Liz is passionate about growing the molecular sciences in Idaho, supporting the state’s emerging talent, and ensuring researchers have the accurate, reliable data they need to develop life-changing pharmaceuticals. She began her career at Sapidyne as a Staff Scientist and advanced through Senior Scientist and Lab Manager roles before stepping into leadership, giving her a deep understanding of both the science and the business. Under her guidance, Sapidyne has evolved from an instrument manufacturer into a global leader in antibody and drug development research. Today, her vision continues to shape the company’s R&D, driving innovative instrumentation and experimental designs that help scientists accelerate discovery.
  • Rachel Wilson, BoldHue - CEO and Co-Founder of BoldHue, a disruptive beauty-tech company solving foundation shade-matching with proprietary scanning and formulation technology that creates millions of personalized foundation shades in under a minute. Co-founded in 2020 during the pandemic, BoldHue has become a 7x award-winning company recognized by Elle, Cosmopolitan, Fast Company, and Oprah Daily for its industry-shaping innovation. A serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, Wilson previously launched a boutique candle brand that achieved national retail placement in Nordstrom and Crate & Barrel within six months. Built on a mission of inclusivity, BoldHue is reshaping the future of beauty by eliminating the guesswork and exclusion that have long defined the shade experience.


2025 Chairman's Award for Service Excellence, Public Policy Champion, and Sawtooth Educator of the Year Award Winners will be announced LIVE on stage at the Gala.


2025 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Chris Progler, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer & Strategic Planning at Photronics, Inc., will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Progler brings over 25 years of experience across integrated circuit (IC) and flat panel display sectors, directing global strategy, R&D, and advanced manufacturing for the publicly traded technology company with 1,900 employees across 11 international sites. He has spearheaded strategic joint ventures and collaboration models in Asia and US that generate the majority of company IC revenue and serves as a global thought leader through cutting-edge publications and speaking engagements.

Dr. Progler holds a B.S. in optics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas.


Event Details:

The Hall of Fame and Idavation™ Awards Gala is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU); Idavation™ Awards Sponsor Scoggin Capital Investment;  VIP Reception and Public Policy Champion Award Sponsor Micron Technology. Community Champion Sponsors Meta, St. Luke's Health System, ValorC3 Data Centers, and Technology Credit Union  will participate in the Idavation™ award presentations, while Inductee Sponsors Regence BlueShield of Idaho  and Idaho State University will kick off the inductee ceremony followed by the keynote speaker sponsored by Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

ABOUT THE IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

The Idaho Technology Council is a membership organization committed to increasing awareness of a thriving technology ecosystem statewide. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative tech community in Idaho by acting as a catalyst that brings together leaders, drives collaboration across all industries, and advocates for tech growth. As a nucleus of thought leaders, innovation, and tech advocacy, we empower government, industry, and reinvestment. Our mission is to position Idaho as a premier tech destination by attracting tech companies and talent, driving educational support and policy, convening tech leadership, and initiating conversations on emerging topics. 

Email : info@idahotechcouncil.org
Website : https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

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Introducing: Zach Adams, CEO & Co-Founder, Pitch Aeronautics Describe the business/organization you work for: I'm the co-founder of Pitch Aeronautics. Pitch Aeronautics provides weather-based data insights to electric utilities enabling them to push more power through existing lines, increase reliability, and decrease wildfire risk. We use a vertical stack of technologies including AI/ML weather software, IoT power-line mounted weather stations, and a ultraprecise drone which can install these sensors and other components on energized power lines. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? When I was finishing up my dissertation I felt like the technology I developed would just be stranded in academia. I brought this up to Ian Gibson, a friend and classmate of mine from the Air Force Academy, and he suggested we see if we could start a business to commercialize it. We certainly would have never guessed we would end up helping utilities increase electric transmission capacity! What sets this business apart from others in the industry? We've made the only drone in the world capable of installation different components on energized power-lines. This platform enables us to install IoT sensors and other components at far lower costs and ultimately aggregate better data for utilities. We use this data to provide better forecasts for transmission capacity, wildfire risk, and more. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Every stage of business has had it's challenges and I am thankful we've gotten to learn and grow from each one of them. When we were first starting out it was learning how to communicate and pinpoint the value of the technology. Now it's figuring out how to deliver for all the customer orders, juggling HR, and working with strategic partners. It's the challenges that make it fun! What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Talk to as many customers as you can About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Zach on LinkedIn HERE Check out Pitch Aeronautics HERE

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Introducing: Ismar Vallecillos, Western Governors University, Regional Director of Operations Describe the business/organization you work for: Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, fully online, accredited university driven by a mission to expand access to high quality, affordable education for working adults across the United States. Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, WGU pioneered the competency-based education model, allowing students to progress through coursework based on their ability to demonstrate mastery, rather than seat time. Serving over 195,000 students and boasting more than 360,000 graduates, WGU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, health professions (including nursing), and teaching. WGU is recognized for its innovative use of technology, commitment to student success, and deep partnerships with employers and workforce development agencies nationwide. The university works to close skill gaps, promote social mobility, and deliver measurable economic impact through education that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to regional needs. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? What sets WGU apart is its competency-based model, which lets students advance by demonstrating mastery—not by spending a set amount of time in class. Combined with flat-rate tuition, personalized mentoring, and fully online programs, WGU offers a flexible, affordable, and career aligned education that adapts to the lives of working adults—unlike most traditional or even other online universities. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. My connection to Idaho began with my 2-year mission, which placed me in various towns and cities across eastern Idaho. As an education professional, I lived in Rexburg while working for BYU-Idaho. Having lived in various rural communities, I became aware of the need for flexible and affordable education among rural communities. With this understanding in mind, I have labored to expand awareness of the value that WGU's online degrees can bring to members of these communities. Online education is the key to helping rural communities to train, educate, and keep their members within the community. What inspired you to join the ITC? I was inspired to join the Idaho Technology Council because I believe in its mission to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and elevate Idaho’s position as a leader in tech. As someone passionate about expanding access to education and career opportunities—especially in underserved regions—I saw the ITC as a natural fit. It offers a powerful platform to connect industry, education, and workforce leaders to shape Idaho’s tech future in meaningful, forward-thinking ways. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? As a leader in education, I am looking forward to contributing to Idaho's tech future through workforce development. At the heart of any industry's growth is a well prepared and skilled workforce. This can only be accomplished through the right collaborative environment between educational institutions and leading industries. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? As a leader in education, I’m most looking forward to contributing to Idaho’s tech future by helping build a stronger, more agile workforce. At the heart of any thriving industry is a pipeline of well-prepared, highly skilled professionals. I believe this can only be achieved through intentional collaboration between educational institutions and leading industries. By serving on the ITC board, I’m excited to help bridge those sectors—aligning academic programs with real-time workforce needs, promoting access to tech career pathways across all communities in Idaho, and supporting innovation that keeps Idaho competitive. It’s an incredible opportunity to shape not only the future of tech in our state, but to create sustainable upward mobility for the next generation of talent. About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Ismar on LinkedIn HERE Check out WGU HERE