December 2009
Technology Alliance Welcomes Old Friends and New Faces
The Technology Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of four outstanding business and community leaders to our board: Stephan Coonrod of K&L Gates; Sid Ferrales of RealNetworks; Ned Sander of AH&T Insurance; and Peter van Oppen of Trilogy Partnership.
We welcomed long-time friend Ned Sander, Managing Principal at AH&T Insurance, to the board after years of steadfast support of our organization. Members of Alliance of Angels and the Science & Technology Discovery Series, in particular, will know Ned from his contributions to those two signature TA programs.
Ned founded AH&T Seattle, specializing in serving the technology and life science industries, in 1999. Previously, he served as regional director for the technology practice of a national insurance brokerage. Ned holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from University of Washington, a degree in risk and insurance from the College of Insurance, and the Associate in Risk Management designation from the Insurance Institute of America.
Peter van Oppen joins the board on behalf of Trilogy Partnership, following the long and distinguished service of his colleague (and founding TA board member) John Stanton. We were already fortunate to count Peter among our volunteers since he serves on the investment committee of the Alliance of Angels Seed Fund.
Peter spent more than 15 years as Chairman and CEO of data storage company Advanced Digital Information Corporation (ADIC) and its predecessors. Before ADIC, he worked in medical electronics, as a consulting manager at Price Waterhouse LLP, and as a consultant at Bain & Company. Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Whitman College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Stephan Coonrod is a partner at K&L Gates specializing in acquisitions, venture capital and other equity investments, and trade issues and technology transfers. He succeeds David Tang in representing the firm, which has been a long-time supporter of the TA as well as being the premier sponsor of Alliance of Angels.
Stephan is fluent in French and previously spent two years working with a law firm in Japan, and has earned local and national recognition as a leading business lawyer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Seattle Pacific University, a Licence D’Enseignement De Lettres Modernes at Universite de Grenoble in France, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was editor of the Harvard Law Review.
In welcoming Savino “Sid” Ferrales, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at RealNetworks, the TA gains not only a new face but a new company.
Sid has had a distinguished career in human resources and organization development that spans 25 years in the technology sector. Prior to his arrival at Real in 2004, he served as the senior human resources executive at online services company Interland; Micron Electronics; Dell; Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC); and Motorola. Sid holds a Master’s degree in counseling and previously served as a counselor and staff development specialist for the Texas Youth Commission.
Each was elected to a three-year term by the Technology Alliance board at its September 17th meeting.
Washington 3.0: Innovation and Policy Leaders Focus on Learning and Leadership at the 2009 Technology Institute
In September, leaders from state and federal government, technology-based businesses, education organizations and research institutions gathered at the Technology Alliance's biennial policy retreat to identify strategies for strengthening Washington education, research and entrepreneurship in a climate of economic uncertainty.
One thing is certain: it is time to hit the reset button and focus on learning and leadership for the new new economy.
Technology Alliance Urges Washington Education and Policy Leaders to Maintain Commitment to Meaningful Math and Science Graduation Requirements
On November 19th, the Technology Alliance issued a public statement in response to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn’s proposal to further delay math and science graduation requirements.
Calling any retreat from the commitment to provide Washington’s students with a meaningful high school diploma “unconscionable,” the Technology Alliance urged state leaders to stay the course and highlighted key actions identified during our Technology Institute retreat which, if implemented, would positively impact upon our students’ achievement.
Research into Results: Innovation Showcase Aims to Connect Innovators with the Entrepreneur and Investor Community
How can we unleash the promise of innovations developed at our public and private research institutions and turn them into commercially viable products, services and companies?
A brand new Technology Alliance program, the Innovation Showcase, may be the answer.
Two New Fellows Spread Their Wings at Alliance of Angels
It is a rite of passage for a select few entrepreneurial-minded MBA students: every autumn, Alliance of Angels welcomes two new fellows, offering a unique opportunity for them to work side-by-side with experienced investors and entrepreneurs at one of the most active angel groups in the nation.
Meet Read Maloney and Zach Okun, the latest University of Washington MBA candidates to get their wings.
Rise and Shine! Don’t Miss the Science & Technology Discovery Series
What better way to start the day than with a generous helping of science and technology for breakfast?
So far, members of the 2009-2010 Discovery Series have been treated to presentations on computer security, new protein development, and advances in treating influenza and AIDS. Read on to discover our exciting lineup of speakers for the remainder of the season, and be sure to set your alarm clock.
Save the Date: 5.17.2010
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on May 17th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Sheraton Seattle for the State of Technology Luncheon, the premier annual event for Washington's innovation community!
The 2010 luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by Clayton M. Christensen, author of The Innovator's Dilemma and Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns.
We offer a variety of sponsorship packages that include reserved seating, extensive visibility for your company or organization, and other exciting benefits. For more details, click here.
Important Dates
- December 11
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Denise Calloway, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 8
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Bruce Montgomery, Gilead Sciences
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 11
- Alliance of Angels 10 Minute Pitch Clinic
- 2:30 - 5:30 pm
- 1301 5th Avenue #2500, Seattle
- January 21
- Technology Alliance Board Meeting
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- RealNetworks, Seattle
- January 25
- Innovation Showcase
- Registration: 3:00 pm
- Showcase: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- May 17
- State of Technology Luncheon
- Featuring: Clayton M. Christensen
- 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Sheraton, Seattle
