NPower Charlotte Region Names Tom Walsh as New Executive Director

Accomplished Information Technology Leader Hired to Head Charlotte Nonprofit

 
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 12, 2011 – NPower Charlotte Region’s Board of Directors has selected Tom Walsh, former chief information officer of American Communications Network (ACN), as the organization’s new executive director effective January 30, 2012. Walsh has more than 20 years of experience developing information technology strategies for large companies and has served as an active volunteer with NPower for several years. 

“Tom is a dynamic leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience about the latest developments in information technology,” said Steve Hagood, NPower board chair. “His experience in volunteer leadership roles with NPower assures that he also joins us with insights into our mission and the needs of our nonprofit community.”

NPower is a nonprofit organization that provides nonprofit agencies with technology-related services, including strategic planning, solutions implementation, web site development and managed services. For the past three years, NPower has led a program called Project Ignite, funded by the Knight Foundation with a goal of changing how nonprofits use information technology. Chris Meade, who has served as executive director of NPower for the past four years, announced in May his intent to leave the organization to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Chris has contributed immeasurably to the growth and progress of NPower, and we are deeply indebted to him for building a strong organization and a heritage of continual innovation,” Hagood said. “We appreciate Chris’ involvement in the search for our new leader; Tom and Chris will work closely together in coming weeks to assure a seamless transition.”

During his tenure at ACN, Walsh was responsible for all aspects of information technology services supporting North American operations and global sales. Walsh has also served in a variety of other IT leadership positions, including First Charter Bank and Royal & SunAlliance Insurance Group prior to joining ACN in 2008.

“NPower is an extremely positive resource for our nonprofit community through its technology solutions and services,” Walsh said. “My goal is to work with the NPower staff and board and the nonprofit community to build upon this progress, particularly the knowledge base and shared solutions resulting from Project Ignite.”

Walsh has served in a variety of volunteer capacities with NPower, including the Digital Ball host committee, CIO Council and IT coaching program. In addition, members of his staff at ACN have served on NPower’s Technology Advisory Committee for many years.

In his role as executive director, Walsh will guide NPower’s strategic direction, grant development, client relationships, day-to-day operations, and community and corporate relations. He will also work with the board to facilitate and promote NPower’s vision of helping regional nonprofits achieve their full potential through the creative application of technology.

“The NPower board could not have found a more ideal candidate for the executive director position than Tom Walsh,” Meade said. “Tom and I have worked closely together over the years and have already begun the process of transition to his leadership. I am excited by the opportunities that are ahead for me and confident that NPower is in extremely capable hands.” 


About NPower Charlotte Region
NPower Charlotte Region is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit technology consultancy that works exclusively with 501(c)(3) organizations. NPower works with nonprofit organizations to improve current technology and implement needed technology programs to achieve improvements that enable them to better serve their clients. NPower Charlotte Region was launched in 2003 with funding from Microsoft, Accenture, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Wachovia, Foundation For The Carolinas, the Duke Endowment, the United Way of Central Carolinas and the Arts & Science Council. Visit NPower Charlotte Region at www.npowercharlotteregion.org. 

Media Contacts:            
Dana Haydock                                                  
704-926-1301
dhaydock@wrayward.com

Lindsay Jones
704-999-3386
ljones@npowercharlotteregion.org