S2RC Named Finalist for 2026 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation – Innovator of the Year Award

PHOENIX, AZ — November 2026 — Stone Solutions and Research Collective (S2RC) has been named a finalist for the 2026 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (GCOI) Innovator of the Year – Small Company Award, presented by the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority.

The recognition highlights S2RC’s work developing human-centered systems that make artificial intelligence more trustworthy, usable, and accessible in high-stakes operational environments.

S2RC approaches innovation by focusing on the people who use technology. Through AI augmentation, systems optimization, retention-driven training, and applied research and development, the company builds tools that support better decisions, more consistent execution, and improved human performance.

This approach connects S2RC’s work across defense and industrial environments. From the MATRIX expeditionary training system to the Skill Point System™ for industrial workforce support, S2RC focuses on delivering reliable information where work happens, including environments with limited or no connectivity.

The finalist recognition reflects the technical expertise, disciplined engineering, and commitment of the S2RC team to solving real operational challenges.

S2RC will attend the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation on November 18, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, where the company is sponsoring a table and welcoming guests from Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) and AZ DC Consulting.

S2RC appreciates the recognition from the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority and looks forward to celebrating alongside Arizona’s technology community.

Learn more about the 2026 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation.

 

About S2RC

At Stone Solutions + Research Collective (S2RC), our essence lies in pioneering innovation within emerging and disruptive technologies. As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and 8(a) firm, we are dedicated to delivering bespoke, cutting-edge solutions that give our clients a competitive edge. Our elite team of Subject Matter Experts spearheads this mission, merging in-depth research, advanced engineering, and comprehensive training into a unified strategy. This approach equips our clients with the foresight and skills necessary to lead and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. At S2RC, we don’t just adapt to the future; we shape it.

Anthony Lavazza

VP, Operations

Anthony Lavazza serves as Vice President of Operations at S2RC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in military safety, federal regulatory compliance, and industrial training. He leads S2RC’s operational strategy for its growing Industrial Solutions division, overseeing the delivery of risk-mitigating safety programs, deployment of digital training platforms, and implementation of compliance systems across critical infrastructure and manufacturing environments.

Before joining S2RC, Anthony founded National Safety Group, where he directed high-impact safety engagements for semiconductor and infrastructure clients. His public sector experience includes serving as a Compliance Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA), where he was responsible for the enforcement of federal safety regulations across construction, energy, and logistics sectors.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Anthony served more than a decade as a Ground Safety Manager and Bulk Fuel Specialist. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and OSHA Outreach Instructor. His academic background includes a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Arizona State University.

Anthony’s appointment reinforces S2RC’s commitment to modernizing workplace safety systems through AI-enabled training platforms and ergonomic human-machine interface development. His leadership supports safer, smarter, and more efficient industrial operations across the logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure domains

Rick Stone

CEO & Founder, S2RC

Rick Stone leads S2RC with over 22 years of experience across government, military, and aerospace sectors. A proven executive and human systems engineer, Rick shapes S2RC’s strategic vision, fosters leadership and team building, and drives innovation and growth.

In addition to his role at S2RC, Rick continues to serve as an Air Force Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He has also held leadership roles as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Black Diamond Advanced Technology and Director of Business Development at Pison Technologies. Beyond these responsibilities, Rick sits on the boards of several startups, providing strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive operational experience.

Rick holds a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering from Arizona State University, a BA in Psychology from American Military University, and an associate degree in information technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He maintains a TS/SCI Clearance, FAA Part 107 License, SAFe Agilist Certification, and is a native Spanish speaker. Reflecting his passion for service and community impact, Rick supports veterans’ and children’s charities.