We need experience, great judgment and decision making skills to lead the Technology Track. Jamie Gaucher (pronounced “smith”) demonstrated he has those attributes with his recent marriage to Elizabeth Damewood of Charleston, one of my favorite people (congratulations, they are expecting their first child in July). Elizabeth brought Jamie to an Academy Awards party a few years ago, which is the first time I remember having a conversation with him. We talked about West Virginia’s economy, technology, and his favorite movie, Cool Hand Luke.
Over the course of his career with the WVDO, Jamie has been responsible for Technology-Based Economic Development at the WV Development Office. That includes but is not limited to biotechnology, broadband telecommunications, biometrics / security, information technology, venture capital solicitations, and essentially any technology looking for a home in WV. Currently he is focusing on how technology and other new economy dynamics can strengthen the success of small business and entrepreneurs.
Before moving to WV, Jamie worked for UUNET, the internet company of MCI, WorldCom, a telecom consulting firm in New York City, and what cinched his track-leader spot – a microbrewery and brewpub in the Washington D.C. area.
The famous line from Cool Hand Luke was “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Jamie will make sure that is not a problem for the Technology Track. He is going out of his way to make sure everyone feels included in the technology discussion. If you have ideas for Jamie, post them here and look for his session list coming soon.
–>Rob
Leave a Reply