Dr. Geoff Roach
Doctor of Business Administration, 2008
How does an IT entrepreneur with a business doctoral degree become involved in the San Jose Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz events in the United States? The answer is simple—by combining his passions for innovation, entrepreneurship, music and education.
Dr. Geoff Roach was playing the saxophone professionally by the age of 17. However, he knew a career in music was not for him. Instead, Geoff pursued computer science and business. His desire to advance as both a researcher and practitioner drove him to pursue a doctoral degree at University of Phoenix.
After spending more than two decades as an entrepreneur in the software industry, Geoff became actively involved in angel investing. Angel investors are private investors who help early stage companies. He is considered an expert on the topic and even wrote his dissertation on angel investing. Geoff is a member of the Keiretsu Forum, the world’s largest angel investor network, whose members have invested more than $180 million in 200 companies.
He applies his astute business expertise to leading the San Jose Jazz in performances, educational outreach and not to mention one of the finest annual jazz festivals in the United States. Geoff serves as the executive director for the organization.
