James Hanusa

James Hanusa is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in emerging technologies and social innovation. Serving as Chapter President for the VR/AR Association in the Phoenix Region since January 2023, James has also acted as a Venture Catalyst at Digital Raign since June 2016, leading thought leadership events at the Esalen Institute. As an Artist in Residence at VERSES since February 2020, James is focused on developing concepts for sustainable smart cities using advanced technologies. Additionally, James has held the role of City Strategist at Urban Innovation Exchange, where responsibilities include business model development and civic engagement. As a founding member of the Silicon Valley Blockchain Society, James promotes the expansion of blockchain technologies. With a background in social innovation consulting at Change Collective and previous experience at Burning Man, The Garrigan Lyman Group, E2open, and Oracle/PeopleSoft, James brings a wealth of knowledge in innovation and economic development. James holds a Global MBA in Operations and Technology from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University.