ITA Strengthens Board With New Appointments

Diverse Group of Executives Represent Top Technology Influencers in Illinois

Chicago, IL – December 19, 2005 – The Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA) today announced new appointments to its Board of Directors. Eleven executives from ITA member organizations have been added to the existing Board and represent a cross-section of the critical players in the Illinois technology industry.  

The new board members serving two-year terms are:

- Aaron Crane, Vice President, Technology, NAVTEQ, Inc.

- Linda Darragh, Director, Entrepreneurship Programs, University of Chicago

- John Fisher, Chief Information Officer, SmithBucklin, Inc.

- Joe Fuller, CFO and General Manager, North America, Alterian, Inc.

- Jean Holley, EVP and Chief Information Officer, Tellabs, Inc.

- Lou Meshulam, Regional Vice President, Oracle Corporation

-  Bruce Montgomery, Director, SimDesk Technologies, LLC

- Michelle Mordacq, Chief Executive Officer, SSI Embedded Systems

- Chris O'Brien, Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago

- Peter Tapling, Chief Executive Officer, Authentify, Inc.

- Bill Waas, Chief Executive Officer, Illinois CIO Exchange

This talented and well-connected group joins an already strong ITA board (http://www.illinoistech.org/pages.aspx/20) in strategically leading the ITA initiatives and programs in support of industry development. Terry Howerton, CEO of FastRoot Technologies will continue to lead the board as chairman.

“ITA is honored to have such an esteemed group joining the leadership of the association,” said Fred Hoch, President, ITA. “This group really reflects ITA’s mission of connecting technology providers, users, government and academia – all the components of the technology industry to drive it forward in Illinois. The community is fortunate to have these executives helping to lead the way as we connect, inform and promote an industry which has just begun to realize its tremendous potential.“

About the ITA          
The Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA) was introduced in early 2005 to reflect the expanded scope and vision of the Chicago Software Association. The organization benefits its members by providing networking, advocacy, resources and leadership to drive growth, development and retention of IT-focused business and talent in Illinois. Providing a platform for industry collaboration, the ITA has more than 400 member companies and is the largest Midwest trade organization dedicated to fostering support for the IT industry. Additional information is available at http://www.illinoistech.org/