 Board Candidate: George Durham
http://about.me/ghdurham
Email me at ghdurham.cascade@hotmail.com.
George Durham is a nonprofit technology program manager with Microsoft’s Global Community Affairs team, responsible for Microsoft’s ongoing relationships and strategy with non-governmental humanitarian aid organizations. He works with nonprofit organizations around the world to ensure they have the technology tools and resources needed to fulfill their missions. Additionally, he is part of Microsoft’s Disaster Assistance and Response team, which manages Microsoft’s efforts and response in times of significant global incidents. Prior to joining the Community Affairs team in 2008, he was a Senior Product Manager on the Windows Server Product Marketing Team, where he helped manage the worldwide marketing and launch of Windows Server 2008 and, previously, was a member of the Windows Server Business Strategy & Management team. Professionally, he has worked closely with organizations and enterprises throughout his career to help them realize the benefits of Internet and enterprise infrastructure technology, software and web services. He has been with Microsoft since 2004.
George lives in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle with his wife and three children. An avid cyclist, he commutes daily via bicycle. He loves skiing, camping, reading, and travel. He holds a lay leadership position in his Seattle church congregation, working with individuals and families throughout the city of Seattle.
George has a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in Government from Harvard University.
1. Why do you want to serve on the Cascade board?
I decided to seek a position on the Cascade board in order to bring fresh perspective, experience, and stability to the board and the organization as it turns the page on some complicated recent events and to provide strong leadership and guidance at a very important juncture for the organization.
I am a strong believer in the mission of Cascade and the work it does around advocacy, education, and recreation for the communities in which we live and work.
I’ve ridden a bike since I was a young child; it was a means of transportation, of course, but also a lot of fun. As I’ve grown older (and grown into being a dedicated bike commuter) I still ride as a means of transportation, but also because of the joy and fun it brings to me and my family and because of the good it can bring to our neighborhoods and communities. I appreciate that Cascade provides so many opportunities to cyclists of all stripes: from kids to families to regular commuters to competitive cyclists, the club is a tremendous resource in Seattle, the region, and even nationwide.
2. How do you see the Cascade board best contributing to the success of the Club?
The board plays an important role ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the organization and its mission. In addition to playing an important oversight role, the board and its members can advise and provide guidance around the work of the club. Of singular importance, of course, is the role the board plays in selecting the executive leadership of the club, and ensuring that the organization and its finances are run with integrity and transparency for its membership and for the community at large.
Board members should bring enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to work together for a robust and successful club that serves and represents all of its members.
3. Why should Cascade members vote for you?
I would bring to the board first and foremost a love of cycling and a strong commitment to Cascade’s mission and its influence in shaping the communities in which we live and work. I would bring a breadth of experience working with organizations of all sizes, as well as an academic and professional background that can provide experience and perspective to the board and the organization. I would not hesitate to roll up my sleeves and pitch in where help is needed, and I am always eager to share my love and enthusiasm for cycling with others.
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