Today Tech Foundry announced the hiring of Dara Nussbaum-Vazquez as its first Executive Director. The hire marks the formative stages of a growth strategy that will allow Tech Foundry to continue to meet the IT workforce needs across the Pioneer Valley while simultaneously working to provide a similar model for other areas of the state or region.
Since its founding in early 2014, Tech Foundry has evolved several times, working to better understand how best to serve the needs to employers and job seekers in the region. After graduating it’s 100th student in late 2016, Tech Foundry quietly began to prepare for significant growth of its program. Starting with an expansion of the board in early 2017 and followed by an extensive search for an Executive Director to join their staff.
Currently a resident of Northampton, MA with her partner and two children, Dara brings non-profit, economic development, and social entrepreneurship experience gained from several positions in New York City. Most recently Dara was the Founder and CEO of the BronXchange, a technology start-up and community wealth building initiative which she developed with the Bronx Cooperative Development Initiative to harness the purchasing power of anchor institutions and provide a competitive advantage to high-road local businesses through an online marketplace and shared business services. Prior to that, Dara was a Nathan Cummings Foundation Fellow, one of three national innovators selected annually to combat economic and social inequality. Dara has also served as Vice President, Government & Community Relations for New York City Economic Development Corporation and Liaison for Community Economic Development & Planning for the Office of U.S. Congressman José E. Serrano.
The addition of Dara to the talented and successful team at Tech Foundry will allow the organization to take the next step in its development and growth. Tech Foundry’s board is excited about the opportunity Dara will create with the current staff as together they build deeper and more meaningful relationships with employers and potential students in the region, while simultaneously charting a course for expansion of the program. The addition of an Executive Director will allow Tech Foundry to take its successful model to other regions, marrying employer needs with greater access for a racially, economically, and gender diverse talent pool that has historically been left on the sidelines. The enhanced staff and leadership will also ensure that Tech Foundry maintains its vision of turning the Pioneer Valley into a robust tech economy where employers from all over the country can turn to for skilled, dynamic, and diverse talent to address their needs for high tech jobs, low cost of living, and high quality of life.
Available for comment:
Delcie Bean – Founder & Board Chair: 603-903-8070
Patrick Streck – Director IT Service at Baystate Health, TF Board Member: 413-794-4197
Dara Nussbaum-Vazquez – New Executive Director of TF: 413-270-0820
Jon Edwards – Director of Strategic Partnerships: 617-359-1017
Natalie Sacco – Director of Operations: 603-496-6324
