2025 AOY Honoree, College of Engineering - Class of 1988, 1990
Jerry recently retired as the Chief Operating Officer of Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, after a distinguished three-decade career in technology. He began his career at NASA’s AMES Research Center, where he worked on robotic automation for life science experiments aboard the International Space Station. This early experience led him to pivotal roles in some of the tech industry’s most influential companies, including Sun Microsystems and Amazon, where he helped navigate the dot-com revolution. At Snap, Jerry played a key role in shaping the company into the global powerhouse it is today.
Despite his high-profile career in tech, Jerry has remained deeply committed to student success. He played an instrumental role in establishing the SnapCats internship program, providing valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the tech world. His dedication to education also extends to the University of Arizona, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in systems engineering. Jerry has made significant contributions to the University’s College of Engineering, including generous donations to the Transfer Student Scholarship fund, which supports community college students in their pursuit of engineering degrees.
Jerry’s career is a testament to the power of innovation and mentorship. His leadership in tech has been matched by his passion for giving back, ensuring that future generations of students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
