May 10, 2013 – Atlanta, Georgia – TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), the charitable organization established by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) dedicated to preparing the next-generation workforce, announced recent additions to the TAG-Ed Board of Directors.
“The TAG-Ed Board is committed to increasing TAG-Ed’s ability to engage more Georgia students in STEM education and workforce readiness opportunities. Bob McGrath, Chris Chavez, Andy Rico and Guido Sacchi are successful executives that will have a powerful impact on this mission,” said Chris Reinking, Founding Partner with Jabian Consulting and TAG Education Collaborative Board Chair.
Dr. Robert McGrath serves as senior vice president at the Georgia Institute of Technology and director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). GTRI is an applied research powerhouse providing an array of technology solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies and industry. McGrath was recruited in 2012 to serve on the Defense Science Board’s Study on Technology and Innovation Enablers for Superiority in 2030. Prior to joining GTRI in 2011, McGrath worked in a variety of capacities with Battelle Memorial Institute supporting STEM education initiatives and the Battelle-managed National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he served as deputy director. McGrath received his Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering from the University of Michigan and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State University in engineering sciences, mathematics and physics.
Andrew Rico is a managing director at Silicon Valley Bank’s regional office in Atlanta. He is responsible for leading the Atlanta-based relationship management team, which caters to more than 150 technology and life sciences clients throughout Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama. Rico opened SVB’s Research Triangle Park, N.C. office in March 2000, which he led for three years prior to relocating to the Bank’s office in Northern Virginia, where he led the team in Northern Virginia for three years. He holds a MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University.
Chris Chavez serves as President for the Atlanta Metro of DeVry University, one of the largest, private sector universities in North America. He’s lead the university on several STEM related initiatives and is committed to helping traditionally underserved students gain access to post-secondary education. Of special note, DeVry University launched an innovative dual-enrollment, dual-degree program that allows students to earn a college associate degree while completing their last two years of high school, at no cost to the student or their family. The first class in Atlanta graduates this spring with 100% retention. Prior to his 10 years of academic service, Chavez spent eight years in various progressive engineering, operations and management roles in the intermodal transportation and manufacturing industries. Chavez serves on several boards. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Technology and Industrial Management from Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Guido Sacchi is the chief information officer of Global Payments, one of the world’s largest electronic transaction processing companies. His responsibilities include worldwide technology infrastructure and operations management, application development and support, information security, project portfolio management and platform integration. Previously, Sacchi was a managing director for Slalom Consulting, leading the firm’s digital commerce practice. Between 2008 and 2010, he served as chief executive officer of Moneta, establishing it as a leader in the alternative online payment space. Sacchi’s experience includes senior management positions at Deloitte Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers, 20 years of international experience across industries, degrees in engineering from the University of Rome (Italy), and appointments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“All four of these new board members bring a dedication to education and an understanding of the importance of attracting students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Michael Robertson, TAG -Ed executive director. “They each have a passion for reaching new students and preparing them to join the future technology workforce. We are extremely energized to have executives with the expertise and commitment that Bob, Chris, Guido and Andy bring to the TAG-Ed Board.”
For more information on TAG Education Collaborative program and the TAG-Ed board, visit www.tagedonline.org, or contact Michael Robertson, executive director of TAG Education Collaborative, at [email protected].
About TAG Education Collaborative
TAG Education Collaborative is dedicated to developing science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in Georgia. Through partnerships with statewide STEM programs, TAG-Ed fosters student interest in STEM in order to increase appreciation for the opportunities available through technology careers. TAG-Ed hosts an internship program for high school students, two web-based team challenges for students interested in Health IT and web design, and the Vine Event, an annual fundraiser benefiting STEM education. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920-2038 or [email protected].