PRESS ROOM & NEWS

International, Afterschool K-12, Robotics Organization Announces Mark Giordono as Vice President of Development

MANCHESTER, N.H., April 3, 2013 ― FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, announced the appointment of Mark Giordono as Vice President of Development. He will lead the international not-for-profit’s efforts in establishing strategy and implementation for Sponsor stewardship and new shared-value partner development.

Giordono, who will report to Interim FIRST President, Bob Tuttle, is joining FIRST from Hewlett-Packard where he secured partnerships and managed a new business incubation and innovation funnel segment.

“FIRST is very fortunate to have Mark join our leadership team with his background in building and nurturing partnerships for both the corporate and the nonprofit sector,” said Bob Tuttle, Interim President of FIRST, adding, “FIRST has a deep history with Fortune 500 corporate Sponsors and industry support remains a key pillar in our continued success. We were looking for a candidate who could accelerate our growth in this area and support a donor-centric approach to fundraising. Mark is very well regarded in the technology sector for his successes in building mutually beneficial partnerships, and he fully embraces the mission of FIRST.”

Prior to joining Hewlett-Packard, Giordono worked for technology startups in Vermont and New Jersey, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, and conducted economic development via technology commercialization at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Most recently, at Hewlett-Packard, he started partner-driven new businesses for the company’s printer division.

“I was drawn to working at FIRST because I am excited by the celebratory approach to making science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) relevant for youth,” said Giordono, adding “Seeing my children’s eyes wide open with fascination at the local FIRST competitions, I have personally experienced the value and potential impact it has on my own children and I want to see it thrive for their and all children’s sake.”

Giordono attended Dartmouth College and graduated cum laude in 1994 with degrees in Geography and History. In 2002, he received his master’s degree in Business Administration from MIT’s Sloan School of Management where he was a Siebel Scholar. He also coaches youth soccer and hopes, via FIRST, to have a positive impact on his own and all children’s futures.

About FIRST^®  
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $16 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC^® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC^® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® League (FLL^® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST^® LEGO^® League (Jr.FLL^®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.