About PacTech
PacTech Mission:
The mission of the Pacific Technology Alliance (PacTech) is to educate citizens and policy makers about emerging technology issues and to promote policies that foster competition, innovation, increased choice and access to technology.
PacTech Core Principles:
- Technology and innovation should be left to the market place – government should not be choosing winners and losers.
- Citizens deserve a voice in the public policy process that impacts technology, innovation and the products and services they use.
- The community and consumers benefit from innovation and competition.
About Executive Director Tom Gurr:
TOM GURR
Executive Director, Pacific Technology Alliance
With over a decade of diverse political and management experience, Tom is an innovative communicator with a knack for turning complex issues into clear concise language. Tom has developed strategic communications, organized community outreach, and managed media engagement throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
While directing PacTech, Tom has successfully engaged a broad range of stakeholders, from government officials, and interest groups, to the media, and business executives.
Tom has also authored editorials in major Northwest publications such as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The News Tribune of Tacoma, the Puget Sound Business Journal and The Oregonian.
Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Washington State University. He and his wife, Julie, live in Sammamish, Washington with their two kids, Luke and Addie.
About PacTech Board of Directors:
MARY ALLAN
National Partner, Woman Impacting Public Policy
www.wipp.org
After graduating from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, Mary Allan began her business career running a family owned business. Learning the “details” of small business operations and management led her into a career coaching small and medium size businesses who were interested in selling. After three years of successfully completing many mergers and acquisitions, Mary was fascinated by one small high tech company involved with data collection and bar coding. She accepted a position as sales and operations manager for the company. In less than three years, the company grew from $250K in revenue to over $5 Million. She was then hired to create a value added resale channel and start a branch operation for a similar business in Oregon that lead her to become Vice President for the company. She became an owner and President of the company after completing a successful turnaround in less than a year.
After selling her business to a partner in 2000, she launched a career as a consultant, primarily focused on operations management. This has expanded to executive coaching and now incorporates her role as a Vistage Chair in Seattle. Vistage (www.vistage.com) is the largest international organization for CEO’s and executives who meet on a monthly basis to help one another become better leaders. Mary currently chairs 4 groups in the Seattle area working with over 50 local CEO’s. She received the designation as Master Chair for 2006 and ranks amongst the top Vistage Chairs in the country.
Mary enjoys life in Seattle with her husband and five sons between them. She is an avid golfer, scuba diver and gardener. She currently sits on the board of one non-profit organization and has served as President for both Women Business Owners and EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) in Seattle. Mary also served seven years as a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in King County acting as an advocate for children in court. She was nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award in 1999. She is currently a WIPP (Women Impacting Public Policy) National Partner involved in advocacy for policy affecting business owners.
RENEE RADCLIFF SINCLAIR
Northwest Regional Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
(www.uschamber.com)
The mission of the U.S. Chamber’s Regional Offices is to develop and maintain the region’s legislative, political and grassroots resources for the achievement of the U.S. Chamber’s public policy goals. Renee is leading the organization’s effort to expand and strengthen relationships with Chamber member businesses, associations, and chambers of commerce throughout the Northwest, including the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber, Renee spent 14 years as a journalist, followed by four successful elections to the Washington State House of Representatives. While serving in the legislature, she garnered a number of prestigious awards and honors, including being named to the American Council of Young Political Leaders and as a fellow to the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. While serving in the state legislature, Renee was president and CEO of the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce, Everett, Washington.
Since retiring from public office, Renee has served in policy leadership roles with Apple Computer and AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), and now with the U.S Chamber of Commerce.
Renee has served as a volunteer with a number of local government, humanitarian and workforce efforts over the years and continues to serve her community as chairman of the Washington Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability and as a Planning Commissioner for Snohomish County, Washington.
Renee resides with her husband, Anthony Sinclair, in Lynnwood, Washington.
TODD MYERS
Founder, Todd Myers Communications
Todd’s experience combines planning and implementing public relations strategies for sports franchises, producing award-winning public events, managing successful statewide political campaigns, building strong grassroots coalitions, and creating innovative Internet marketing solutions. Todd currently runs a public relations firm where he manages issues related to everything from healthcare and technology to environmental policy.
With a long background in technology, Mr. Myers has a Bachelors Degree in Politics from Whitman College and a Masters Degree in Russian/International Studies from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. He and his wife Maria have two dogs and live in Fall City, Washington.
