Dear Friends and Supporters,
Over the last couple of months, I have worked hard to ensure that Silicon Flatirons transitions smoothly into a new era. Since its founding, I have served as the center’s Executive Director and have overseen our efforts to fulfill its mission–always with the guidance of Dale Hatfield, who I fondly refer to as our “killer application.” Over the last several years, a number of other talented professors have joined our orbit–namely, Paul Ohm and Brad Bernthal, each of whom have taken a leadership role in spearheading our IT/IP and Entrepreneurship initiatives, respectively. We are also blessed with a terrific group of supporters, many of whom are currently serving on key advisory committees. As such, I know that the program will continue to thrive in my absence.
As you all should know by now, Dale Hatfield has agreed to step in as the Executive Director of Silicon Flatirons during my leave of absence. Dale has helped to spur the growth of Silicon Flatirons over the years by promoting it to potential speakers, encouraging people to attend our programs, and recruiting supporters. Now, Dale will be more than a guiding force, joining Anna Noschese–our outstanding Administrative Director–as part of the Center’s management team. In that regard, Dale will be aided greatly by the fact that Paul Ohm and Brad Bernthal will continue to spearhead–with the aid of their respective advisory bodies–the IT/IP and Entrepreneurship programs. Over the last several weeks, we have instituted a new management structure that Ray Gifford, the Chair of our Advisory Board, so colorfully depicted at our passing of the baton ceremony last week. In short, I am confident that the new management structure, which formalizes developments long underway and distributes the relevant management authority, will make Silicon Flatirons more effective and sustainable in the years ahead.
On a personal note, it is hard to say goodbye to so many friends and an institution that means so much to me. The passing of the baton ceremony we held on June 16th only underscored for me how important this community is to me. But this parting is made easier by the fact that I know the program is in great hands, I intend to be back regularly, and I plan on returning once my service in the government is complete. During my absence from Colorado, please be in touch when you are visiting DC. (For those interested in keeping in touch, please rest assured that I am keeping my CU email address.)
Finally, I want to thank you all for your continued support of a program that will continue to uphold and advance a special mission of elevating the technology policy discourse, encouraging student interest and networking in the technology sector, and doing its part to promote entrepreneurship.
Fondly,
Phil Weiser