New TAO Board Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Technology Association of Oregon Welcomes New Board Members

Portland, Ore. – November 2022 – The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) today announced three new members to the association’s board of directors as part of its latest election cycle. These new board members will serve an initial three-year term. The TAO is also pleased to announce that five current board members have agreed to renew their positions.Additionally, John Kochavatr, VP, IT & Supply Chain & CIO, PGE, will end the final year of his term as Chair of the board of directors. Allie Magyar, Chief Product Officer, Notified, was elected TAO’s Board Chair.The TAO board consists of leaders from across the spectrum of technology companies in the region, including all of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The board helps guide the TAO toward its goal of creating a world-class and inclusive innovation economy in the region through programs and initiatives that focus on advocacy, entrepreneurship, professional networks, talent development, and more.“This latest class of board members come from companies that have a significant footprint in Oregon in terms of employment and infrastructure,” said Skip Newberry, President and CEO of TAO. “We see tremendous opportunities to harness the respective experiences and subject matter expertise of these industry leaders to the benefit of smaller tech companies, companies that are seeking to digitally transform, and folks from all backgrounds who are interested in pursuing tech careers.”The newest members are:

‍Leigh Gower, Chief Technology Officer, Dutch Bros,Leigh Gower is the Chief Technology Officer of Dutch Bros Coffee and has more than 20 years of experience in helping companies transform customer experiences through technology. Prior to joining Dutch Bros in December 2021, she served as Vice President, Technology at Blue Nile; as Senior Director, Product & Technology of T-Mobile; and as Management Consultant at Slalom Consulting. Ms. Gower has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Spanish from the University of Puget Sound and professional certificates from Villanova University, the University of California, Berkely, and the University of Washington. Ms. Gower is passionate about educating kids and teens on the possibilities achievable with technology.

‍Amir Johnson, Director of External Affairs, AT&T-Oregon, Amir Johnson, Director of External Affairs for AT&T-Oregon, has focused his career on a remarkable commitment to service and the community. As Director of External Affairs, Amir is responsible for regulatory, legislative, community and industry relations for the company throughout the state of Oregon. Amir is spearheading AT&T Believes Oregon, a grassroots program designed to raise awareness around digital inclusion initiatives and address inequities to improve the lives of underserved communities across Oregon. AT&T Believes Oregon is centered on employee engagement, educational opportunities, academic achievement, economic development, and social justice awareness for the community. Amir currently serves on the board for Portland Business Alliance, Oregon Business and Industry, First Tee of Greater Portland, and Children Institute’s Advocacy Committee.

‍Eric Pierce, VP of IT and CIO, The Greenbrier Companies, Eric Pierce is a technology executive with a long track record of innovation and change across several industries. Much of his experience stems from an entrepreneurial mindset, business focus, and desire to evolve as a leader, coach, and parent. He has worked in, consulted for, and started numerous businesses across several different verticals, including but not limited to technology, energy, manufacturing, and finance. Leading with courage and fostering a culture of candor is the foundation of his ability to be a successful leader and mentor. Eric currently works at The Greenbrier Companies as the Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer. Greenbrier is a publicly traded transportation manufacturing company based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Greenbrier specializes in transportation services, notably marine barge and freight railcar manufacturing, railcar refurbishment, and railcar leasing and management.

‍Re-election of TAO Board Members:

• Allie Magyar, Notified
• John Kochavatr, PGE
• Brent Bullock, Partner, Perkins Coie
• Rod Clark, Partner, KPMG
• Scott Keeney, nLIGHT
• Litzy Garcia, Daimler
• Mariah Scott, At-Large
• Lora Haddock DiCarlo, Lora DiCarlo

Continuing Board Members:

• Blair Minniti, Moss Adams
• Charlie Kawasaki, Software Diligence
• Brian Tol, AWS
• Celeste Edman, Prevedere Analytics
• Heidi Eggert, Nike
• Jane Ullman, Silicon Valley Bank
• Eric Pierce, The Greenbrier Companies
• Joan Pepin, ZeroWall
• Jonathan Miko, Alacrity Solutions
• Josh Smith, Tonkon Torp
• Kristi Flores, Tektronix
• Maggie Hubbell, Shift
• Michelle Soares, Portland Trail Blazers
• Mike White, OEN Venture Catalyst
• Mohan Nair, Emerge Inc.
• Rashid Skaf, Biamp Systems
• Sue Richards, HP
• Tayo Akins, Cascade Comprehensive Care
• Tony Seminary, ITMotives

To see the complete current list of TAO board members, please visit: https://www.techoregon.org/board-directors/ About the Technology Association of Oregon, Technology Association of Oregon is a local nonprofit working to build opportunities, better our economy, and unify a voice for innovation in Oregon and beyond. A recognized leader in shaping and growing technology and business communities, TAO empowers businesses and entrepreneurs through networks, events, advocacy, resources, and more. With over 500 member companies, TAO’s network brings together some of the largest companies in the world, small startups, and tech-enabled companies that are using technology to drive growth and innovation. For more information please visit www.techoregon.org.Media Contact:Kaitlin Beauregard, Public Relations & Communications Coordinator, TAO kaitlin.beauregard@techoregon.org