PRESS ROOM & NEWS

Mark Greenlaw Contributes Extensive Technology Experience and Passion for STEM Education to FIRST Leadership Team

MANCHESTER, N.H., August 18, 2014― 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 Mark Greenlaw as Vice President of Digital Engagement. Greenlaw brings over 30 years of industry experience to the FIRST leadership team, having held leadership roles in IT, sustainability, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education over the course of his career.

As Vice President of Digital Engagement at FIRST, Greenlaw is responsible for setting and executing a digital and information technology strategy that will enable FIRST to increase its engagement and impact with students, Mentors/Coaches, and other stakeholders, while improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.  Additionally, Greenlaw will leverage his STEM education experience and extensive network to contribute to a broad set of FIRST strategic initiatives.

“FIRST is pleased to welcome Mark Greenlaw as our new Vice President of Digital Engagement,” said Donald E. Bossi, President of FIRST. “His vast experience in the IT industry and his passion for STEM education make him a tremendous asset to our organization, and will undoubtedly help us better serve the valued members of the FIRST community.”

Prior to joining FIRST, Greenlaw was a Vice President at Cognizant, a Fortune 500 information technology services provider. He was Cognizant’s Chief Information Officer until 2010 and led the implementation of systems and processes that enabled the firm’s 10-fold growth.

He then launched Cognizant’s STEM education, sustainability, and U.S. campus recruiting initiatives. He created the company’s Making the Future program, themed on the Maker Movement, which seeks to inspire young learners in STEM disciplines through fun, hands-on learning opportunities.

“I believe that inspiring young people in STEM education can help close the nation’s achievement and opportunity gap,” said Greenlaw. “I am proud to join an organization that is motivating young people to become the next generation of trailblazing scientists, inventors, and engineers. Our youth can change the world, and FIRST is helping them discover their own capabilities and the importance of exploring careers in STEM fields.”

Prior to Cognizant, Greenlaw held technology leadership positions at Canaccord Genuity, Oracle, Nervewire, and Computer Sciences Corporation. He started his career with AT&T after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management from Pennsylvania State University.

In addition to his extensive career in the information technology industry, Greenlaw also sits on Citizen’s Schools National STEM Advisory Council and Massachusetts State Board of Advisors, and has volunteered as a Citizen Teacher of STEM apprenticeships to sixth grade students at an urban Boston public school.

Greenlaw is also a founding board member of the Maker Education Initiative (MakerEd), a non-profit whose mission is to create more opportunities for young people to foster creativity and spark interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.

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 $20 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.