Joann MacMaster

Joann MacMaster serves as the CEO of the Desert Angels, a nationally top-ranked organization of accredited investors who seek opportunities to invest in Southwest regional startup and early-stage companies. Prior to this Joann served as the Sr. Director of Venture Development for the University of Arizona focused on the commercialization of university research through the development of startup companies. Joann is a startup founder, mentor, investor, and educator, and she is a passionate ecosystem builder. She is a recipient of the 2020 Women of Influence Entrepreneur of the Year award and the 2018 Larry Hecker and Sherry Hoskinson Lasting Community Builder award. She returned home to Tucson in 2000 after living and working in Europe for over a decade and holds an MBA in International Business from Edinburgh University Scotland.