A message from Executive Director Seth Hubbert...
It has been a tremendous honor to have served as Tech Exchange’s Executive Director during a critical period of the organization's history. It is with many mixed emotions that I share that I will be stepping down as the organization's Executive Director on February 14th. I have worked with our staff over the last several months to ensure a smooth transition, and we are thrilled to announce that Ben Delaney will step in as Interim Executive Director.
I joined Tech Exchange in 2015 with the charge to provide leadership to a 20 year old organization after the tenure of our incredible founder Bruce Buckelew. I was welcomed warmly by our talented and tenacious staff, and we grew the enterprise from distributing 600 computers the year I joined, to now having distributed over 40,000 computers since the pandemic began. Our incredible growth has been fueled by the efficiency of our model, the energy of our staff, and the deep support of partners. I leave with pride of what our team has accomplished, and great confidence in the organization’s trajectory.
I will be forever grateful to the leadership of Mayor Libby Schaaf and Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell in prioritizing technology access for Oakland students and families. The #OaklandUndivided coalition demonstrates the true power of collaboration and collective impact. Oakland began the pandemic with only 12% of low-income students having access to technology at home, and #OaklandUndivided has helped ensure every Oakland student has access to the technology tools needed at home. I feel privileged to have worked with this amazing group and been a part of providing tech resources to families during this time of tremendous need.
Digital inequities continue to affect far too many of our community members, and in many ways I feel Tech Exchange’s work is just getting started. The pandemic emphasized the need for all households to have access to home Internet, a computer, and training and support. It is inspiring to see the current understanding of and alignment around issues Tech Exchange has been actively addressing since 1995. The organization and ecosystem are ripe for impact and I’m excited for Tech Exchange’s next Executive Director to take the organization to new heights.
Ben Delaney, who will serve as Interim Executive Director, brings a skillset and professional history that is a perfect match for Tech Exchange through this period of transition. Ben has prior experience as an Interim Executive Director and is versed in supporting organizations through leadership transitions. Ben has also served as an Executive Director of several local, reputable organizations, demonstrating adept leadership and management skills to support organizational health and growth. One of his previous roles was leading an enterprise focused on refurbishing computers to produce social impact - what an amazing fit! Ben began this week, and I will continue to be with the organization through mid February, and will be working to onboard Ben into the role. Over the months ahead Ben will not only provide leadership to the organization, but also help facilitate a process to find the organization’s next full-time Executive Director.
As I wrap up my time with Tech Exchange, I’m reminded of so many individuals that have had a deep impact on my work. I leave with deep gratitude for the connections I’ve made and am humbled by the incredible work of those all around me that have led to our organization’s success. I remain here in the Bay Area and will continue to be active in our community. Although my chapter of leadership will end, I look forward to being a forever member of the Tech Exchange family.
In community,
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