Meet the Sunstate Foundation Executive Team.
Giving back to the communities in which we live and work
Chris Watts
President
Chris was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and earned his B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography from UC Santa Barbara, his MBA from Willamette University in Salem, OR.
He started his career at Dames & Moore as an environmental planner, conducting environmental impact studies and Phase 1 and 2 property assessments. In 1996, he joined the family business as an environmental manager, and today he is the President and CEO of Sunstate Equipment Co., the company started by his father in 1977. The 6th largest construction rental company in the United States, Sunstate is now owned by the Sumitomo Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan.
Chris’ community service began with his involvement in the Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, where he served as a Big Brother for 2 years. In 2007, he received an invitation to join the Scottsdale Charros, an all-volunteer, nonprofit group of business and civic leaders that help build the community by supporting youth sports, education and charitable causes. During his time with the Charros, he was elected to several leadership positions, including President of the Charros.
In 2015, Chris accepted a position on the Board of the STARS Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Also in 2015, he oversaw the formation of the Sunstate Equipment Foundation, a nonprofit charitable foundation of which he is the President of the Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Regents for his high school alma mater, Brophy College Preparatory School.
When not volunteering his time, or working in the family business, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his 4 kids.
By combining the collaborative giving power of voluntary employee contributions with dollar-for-dollar company matching, we are able to make a sizable impact on charitable organizations and individual lives within our local communities.
Garth Price
Vice President
A native of Phoenix, AZ, Garth earned his B.S. in Accounting from Northern Arizona University before earning his CPA designation. After seven years with Deloitte & Touche, where he served as an Audit Manager, he joined Sunstate Equipment Co. in 1990 first as the Controller, then Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since 1996.
As a member of Sunstate’s Executive Management Team, Garth provides leadership and strategic planning support and manages the capital structure requirements for the company. Additionally, he provides oversight for many of the company’s administrative functions, including accounting, credit, human resources, risk and environmental, and legal matters.
Aside from his Sunstate responsibilities, Garth has participated in many community and non-profit organizations, including Board and Committee memberships.
Larry Cox
Secretary / Treasurer
Attended Wichita State University before serving a tour of duty in the US Navy in 1968 before joining Copper State Equipment in 1972, a full line equipment sales and rental company based in Phoenix, AZ. Larry held several management positions with the company before ultimately becoming President and Co-Owner of Copper State Equipment in 1981. The Company was sold in 1991.
Larry relocated to Las Vegas, NV and took a position with Briggs Equipment and Rentals as General Manager. A few years later, the Saguaro cactus was calling, he returned to Phoenix, AZ and joined Sunstate Equipment Co. in 1997, leading the sales and marketing efforts. In 2016 Larry took the positon of Vice President of Culture where he remains today.
In addition to his involvement with the Sunstate Equipment Foundation, Larry also supports and works with the American Cancer Society, Military Family Relief Foundation, Special Olympics of Arizona, and the Arizona Humane Society. He was a board member for the American Rental Association, Arizona Chapter, for three years, and was recently named the ARA Man of the Year for Region 7
In Larry’s free time, he enjoys spoiling his grandchildren, cooking and gardening.
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For any other questions, please contact the Foundation Administrator at admin@sunstatefoundation.com, or call Carole Weamer at 602-683-2259.
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