Matt Francis

Founder, President at Ozark IC; Candidate for IEEE-USA President Elect

Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States

About

Passionate problem solver, leading teams that span application to semiconductors - and everything in between. For me, solving the problem means building - or finding - all the pieces. From navigating complex supply chains to forging partnerships, I thrive to serve as a connector and consensus builder. My career has uniquely spanned working in the largest tech companies, to government, aerospace and entrepreneurship. While aerospace and electronics are in my roots, I love learning about the problems you can't solve, and working together to create not just a good solution - but a scalable one. The tools to accomplish this have allowed me to bring products to market, build manufacturing lines and advance technologies. But they also can be used to solve other big problems in the world. This is where I enjoy the opportunities to lead within organizations like IEEE, where I've built new models for cooperation through IEEE-USA's IWRC events that bring industry, workforce and research communities together. I've been honored to serve my community as a City Council Member since 2019, helping navigate scale challenges in a quickly growing community. And, this drive has let me create 501c3s that support community to regional and national initiatives. Lets connect and solve a problem together - from controlling a jet engine to developing our next technical and community leaders.

Experience

  • President/CEO at Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc.
    Apr 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 3 mos

    Ozark IC develops unique electronic solutions for rugged environments. Our services include: Custom Analog/Mixed-Signal IC Design Custom Module/Substrate Design Design, Test Automation and Process Delivery Kit (PDK) Development SPICE Modeling and Compact Model Development Everything from Commercial-Spec to Extreme Environments (Wide-Temperature, Rad-Hard). Ozark IC is a leader in Silicon Carbide integrated circuits, operable up to 500 C. Ozark IC also develops rugged boards, packaging and complete system solutions for wide-temperature operation. Ultra-violet photonics, industrial controls and of course just "solid engineering" for about any application. We enjoy collaborating to solving hard problems, so please reach out if you have a problem involving electronics, packaging, software or any combination of thereof!

  • Councilman, Ward 1 Position 2 at City of Elkins, Arkansas
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 6 mos

    Elected Member of City Council, Ward 1 Position 2.

  • IEEE (Part-time · 4 yrs)
    • Director IEEE - Region 5
      Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 · 2 yrs

      Director (2024-2025) on the IEEE Board of Directors, IEEE Region 5, IEEE-USA and MGA Boards.

    • Vice Chair/Director-Elect, IEEE Region 5
      Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 · 2 yrs

      Serving as Vice Chair for Region 5, USA Southwest and Director Elect (2022-2023)

  • Adjunct Professor at University of Arkansas
    Apr 2010 - Jan 2023 · 12 yrs 10 mos

    Advising students and serving on committees in IC and CAD areas (Adjunct Feb. 2014-present).

  • Applications Consultant at Lynguent, Inc
    Apr 2004 - Dec 2011 · 7 yrs 9 mos

    A co-founder and specialist in behavioral and compact modeling for extreme environments.