Networking organization also announces Executive Committee changes
Madison, Wis., — October 25, 2011 – Accelerate Madison, the premier networking organization that promotes and highlights the Madison technology community, today announced the appointment of Tammy Jackson as executive director. Jackson will be responsible for driving membership, securing high-profile speakers, community building and facilitating collaboration among members.
Additionally, the board of directors has unanimously voted in Dave Rasmussen, president of Extract Systems, as the new board chairman. Rasmussen succeeds Mark Gehring, co-founder of Asthmapolis, who has completed his 3-year term as board chairman.
“After an extensive search process, we are thrilled to welcome Tammy to Accelerate Madison’s leadership role. Her knowledge and expertise aligns with our mission to strengthen the technology sector through better networking and communication,” said Dave Rasmussen, chairman of the board of Accelerate Madison and president of Extract Systems.
Jackson has more than 15 years of communications experience, with roles in journalism, public relations and new media. Her emphasis is on shaping influencers and engaging individuals and organizations through emerging technologies. Most recently Jackson has served as public relations manager for Sonic Foundry, Inc., an Accelerate Madison honorarium sponsor member.
After eight years serving in the executive director position, Jan Moen is pursuing other professional interests as co-founder of a new start-up company, Madcelerator, LLC, but will remain on Accelerate Madison’s board of directors.
“I want to sincerely thank Jan for her long service to Accelerate Madison, and the many contributions she has made to advance the mission of the organization,” said Mark Gehring, past board chair and co-founder of Asthmapolis. “We look forward to continuing to serve with her on the board of directors and wish her well on her new business endeavors.”
In addition to the new chairman and executive director, the Accelerate Madison board of directors has voted in the following officers to the Executive Committee:
* Mark Winger, vice president information technology product & administration, CUNA Mutual Group will serve as vice chair and chair-elect
* Michael Baum, principle of Sophia Consulting will serve as secretary
* Deron Curliss, partner at BDO USA, and Jan Moen will serve as co-treasurers
The next Accelerate Madison event, “Disruptive Digital Technologies: Research & Developments at UW-Madison” will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Register athttp://www.acceleratemadison.org.
About Accelerate Madison
Founded in 2001, Accelerate Madison is a premier networking and business support organization focused on technology issues. Our primary objective is to encourage and improve the use of technology in driving the creation of new ventures and acceleration of existing businesses in the community. This diverse organization is unique in its dedication to cross-pollinate industry leaders from mature businesses with emerging, high growth, start-up companies. Activities include networking, educational forums and workshops, and collaboration, helping to realize our overall goal of improving the quality of business and economic growth in the Madison community through the sound and strategic use of digital technology.http://www.acceleratemadison.org.
