PEI adds onsemi executive Catherine Côté to its board

The Partnership for Economic Innovation has named onsemi executive Catherine Côté to its board of directors as Arizona pushes to expand its semiconductor and technology economy. The appointment brings federal and global policy experience to PEI’s 2026 agenda on tax policy, workforce development and infrastructure.

Why it matters: - Arizona’s semiconductor sector is receiving major CHIPS and Science Act investment, and PEI is trying to align policy, workforce and infrastructure with that growth. - Côté’s background in government affairs and technology policy adds direct experience from one of Arizona’s key semiconductor companies. - PEI’s board seat comes as the organization focuses on keeping Arizona competitive in domestic technology manufacturing.

What happened: - The Partnership for Economic Innovation appointed Catherine Côté, vice president, chief of staff and head of the Office of the CEO at onsemi, to its board of directors. - Côté succeeds Steven Gray, who retired from the PEI board after representing onsemi in the organization’s strategic work. - The appointment adds onsemi’s voice to PEI at a moment when Arizona’s semiconductor industry is expanding.

The details: - PEI said Côté’s experience shaping federal and global technology policy will support its work in Arizona’s innovation economy. - PEI’s 2026 priorities include advancing the federal Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. - PEI is also focused on building K-12 STEM talent pipelines for semiconductor employers. - The organization is backing regulatory and infrastructure policies tied to Arizona’s growing role in domestic technology manufacturing. - Côté leads enterprise-wide strategic initiatives at onsemi, supports CEO execution and oversees the company’s global government and external affairs strategy. - Her background also includes sales, marketing and executive operations across the semiconductor industry. - Côté has led organizations through major acquisitions and global integrations. - She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from McGill University and completed executive education at Harvard Business School and Santa Clara University. - John Graham, board chair of PEI and chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, said Côté’s global perspective will strengthen PEI’s ability to advance Arizona’s innovation economy. - Graham said onsemi plays a vital role in Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem. - PEI said more information is available at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The board appointment signals PEI’s emphasis on tying economic development efforts to semiconductor policy, talent and infrastructure. - Bringing in a senior onsemi executive gives PEI closer alignment with a company that already has a major stake in Arizona’s chip industry. - The move also suggests PEI wants board leadership with firsthand experience navigating federal policy and global operations.

What's next: - Côté is expected to help PEI push its 2026 semiconductor and technology priorities. - PEI will continue working on tax policy, workforce development and infrastructure issues tied to Arizona’s chip sector. - The board addition may help PEI deepen collaboration across industry, academia and government.