Richmond area tech council lists requirements for leader

Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 - 12:08 AM 

With the executive director of the Greater Richmond Technology Council stepping down, the search is on for someone to fill Robert J. Stolle's shoes.

This week, the tech council released its requirements for the position as Stolle moves to a job with Core Consulting, a Richmond business, IT and management-advisory firm.

Candidates will be reviewed by a council founder and three officers, said Keith Warman, one of those reviewing officers who runs an IT consulting firm in Henrico County. He said the council hopes to select a director at its Dec. 11 meeting.

The specs:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Promote central Virginia's technology economy, largely composed of information technology services firms that cater to the region's Fortune 1000 companies, the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park and semiconductor maker Qimonda. The executive director represents the council and its membership at area events and runs daily operations.

BUDGET

About $600,000

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

"Someone who understands the landscape of the Richmond technology businesses and growth and opportunities would be an asset," said Margaret E. "Lyn" McDermid, council chairwoman.

SALARY REQUIREMENTS

"It's a fairly large range within the upper double digits," McDermid said. She ballparked $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience. "That's the key. And we're willing to pay the right person to do the job."

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and a passion for the technology industry is a plus, but candidates do not have to be technologists. They should, however, have marketing, fundraising and budget management background and public speaking experience. Regional contacts, an existing network in business and government and previous association experience are not required. But they help.

ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND

The tech work force is changing as baby boomers move out and younger generations -- who grew up with gadgets and the Web's power -- move in. "I hope we can kind of push [the council] to the future and where we're headed as opposed to where we've been," McDermid said.

WHERE TO APPLY

Interested candidates can submit résumés along with salary requirements and the preferred method of contact through GRTCexecutivesearch@yahoo.com. Submission deadline is Nov. 2.

-- Jeffrey Kelley