Tech Collective Welcomes New Committee Chairs

July 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Providence R.I. – July 18th, 2012 – Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s Bioscience and Information Technology Industry Association, has named new Chairs to two of its committees. Natalie Benkovich, Lead Business Analyst at AIPSO, will lead the Women in Technology (WIT) Committee. Kathleen Malin, Vice President for Technology and Operations Management at The Rhode Island Foundation will lead the IT Manager’s Roundtable Committee.

“Tech Collective is proud to announce two charismatic, strong, and creative individuals to the roles of chairpersons for these committees,” said Melissa Punchak, manager of organizational programs for Tech Collective. “With proven leadership and tech and business savvy, we are certainly looking forward to the opportunities for personal and professional development that the WIT and IT Manager’s Roundtable forum tracks will afford Rhode Island’s technology industry professionals throughout the year.”

Natalie Benkovich: Actively participating on the WIT Committee for the past two years, Natalie has been influential in the group's events and activities, including developing and speaking at its Project Management 101 forum series, as well as serving as a Sophia Academy mentor. Natalie brings more than 18 years of expertise and experience in both the IT and Project Management fields to the WIT Committee. She studied at the University of Rhode Island, earning her MBA in 1999 and her PMP in 2009.

“I am extremely excited to be chairing the committee this year!” said Natalie. “I look forward to continuing the high quality of events we have hosted in the past, as well as several new initiatives this coming year.”

Natalie leads the committee after Denise Arruda, Lead Business Analyst for FM Global, who served as the Women in Technology Committee Chairperson for the past two years.

Women in Technology: Tech Collective’s WIT Committee and forum track provides a platform of knowledge sharing, network building, mentorship, and engagement for women working or interested in the STEM fields. WIT’s next forum, an Information Session regarding the launch of its Peer-to-Peer Mentor Program, will be held on Thursday, September 20th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at AIPSO.

Kathleen Malin: Kathleen holds a number of certifications and has been involved with technology management for over 20 years. She has worked as director of technology and network administrator at organizations in Rhode Island and New York, and she has additionally taught in several IT training programs. Kathleen has a BA from Immaculata University and a received a Master’s in Management from New England College.

Prior to being named Chairperson, Kathleen and The Rhode Island Foundation have been involved with several IT Manager’s Roundtable forum sessions, serving as facilitator and hosting location.

“The IT Manager’s Roundtable is a great place for technology professionals to meet and share information,” said Kathleen. “I am honored to be chair of this group and look forward to exciting discussions and the opportunity to network with my peers in IT management.”

IT Manager’s Roundtable: Tech Collective’s IT Manager’s Roundtable aims to provide area information technology managers an environment for knowledge sharing, technology awareness and peer network building opportunities with local focus. The next IT Manager's Roundtable: Evolving Role of the IT Security Manager, will be held on Thursday, July 26th from 3:00 – 5:00 at the Rhode Island Foundation.

For more information or to attend upcoming WIT or IT Manager’s Roundtable sessions, visit www.tech-collective.org.

About Tech Collective:
Tech Collective is Rhode Island’s Bioscience and Information Technology Industry Association. Uniting industry, government and academic stakeholders, our mission is to inspire, engage, educate and employ a high-skill, high-wage Knowledge Economy in Rhode Island. Since its transition from the Rhode Island Technology Council (RITEC) in 2004, Tech Collective has received more than $6.3M in federal, state and private grant funding to foster industry and workforce awareness, collaboration, and development through forums and initiatives including: Tech10, GRRL Tech, Women in Technology, Bio-Ed, and STEM-based education and training programs for K-16 students as well as incumbent and transitioning workers. Get connected to Tech Collective at www.tech-collective.org, on Facebook (TechCollectiveRI), Twitter (@Tech_Collective), and on Linkedin (Tech Collective).

Contact: Giselle Mahoney
Manager of Communications & Media Relations
Tech Collective
401-829-8321 |  gmahoney@tech-collective.org