THE BOARD

Karen Benjamin is the co-founder of Worldleaders. Prior to owning Worldleaders, Karen served in executive management, sales and recruiting positions within a global IT services firm. She has her M.S. from Roberts Wesleyan College and her B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Karen is currently a VP/President elect and Executive Committee Member with Digital Rochester. As VP/President-elect, she focuses on strategy, operations and business development. Corporate Memberships, community relations and ensuring effective programming for each community within DR are high priorities of this board position.

Lisa has served as Digital Rochester’s Director of Operations since 2004. Prior to Digital Rochester, Lisa’s career included extensive experience in business operations, marketing communications, product marketing, solutions marketing, product launch and program management.

Lisa is the Executive Director and and Executive Committee Member with Digital Rochester. Lisa’s role includes working closely with all Board members to meet DR’s Mission and Vision. Lisa is responsible for the operations management of Digital Rochester and serves as the key focal point for Board members, volunteers, committees and community organizations.

Tom is an accomplished sales executive with a successful track record of marketing, promoting, selling and growing business for professional services, software and hardware based organizations. A member of the former eBusiness Association, he joined the DR Board when the two organizations combined in 2010. Tom was a founding Board member of the eBA back in 1998.

As Director of Finance for Digital Rochester, Tom helps to manage the Finance Department that is the financial backbone of the organization and provides financial viability, accessibility and support to all of the Community and Operational Programs, to successfully execute their business plans.

Amy is an accomplished leader in all major engineering and administrative entities of Information Technology. She is a skilled Information Technology Consultant with keen ability to improve business processes and streamline procedures, along with an experienced Project Manager with consistent record of on-time delivery and quality results.

As Director for the Women in Technology Programs, Amy’s mission is to provide programs and resources to enhance the professional development for females in the technology job sector, as well as provide community outreach services to organizations that support women in need.

David is an attorney with the law firm Boylan, Brown, Code, Vigdor & Wilson, LLP. David practices in the area of commercial litigation with a particular focus on representing clients in the areas of intellectual property – copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and confidential information. David received his B.A. from the University of Chicago and his J.D. from Boston University. David serves as a legal advisor to Digital Rochester and also manages DR’s individual membership community.

Susan has 15 years of experience in the legal services industry and is a subject matter expert in electronic discovery and litigation support. She is an account executive for Business Intelligence Associates, Inc. (BIA), offering software and professional services in the areas of Litigation, Digital Investigations and Electronic Policy Consulting for Fortune 1000, Global 2000 companies and Am Law 100 law firms.

As DR President-Elect, she is responsible for improving and evolving operational and organizational practices enabling DR to act on its vision, mission and values. She also provides leadership, mentoring and monitoring for accountability to ensure smooth execution of DR administration and events.

Neil has 10+ years in sales experience primarily in data and telecommunications. He specializes in working with companies throughout Western NY increase efficiencies and productivity while having a positive impact on their bottom line.

Neil is the Director of Logistics and Services for Digital Rochester. The Logistics and Services committee supports all of the other programs within Digital Rochester. The committee developments topics of interest and speakers for the Digital Rochester community events.

Chris is the VP of Business Development for Palantiri Systems. He is an experienced professional with a strong background in software and technology. His career spans 13+ years with focus areas that include technology implementation, social networking, business development, marketing, and high-tech software and product development.

As Director of IT for Digital Rochester, Chris is responsible for implementing the technologies that enable the support and growth of Digital Rochester. His focus heading into 2011 is to re-establish Digital Rochester as a leader in technology in the Rochester area, providing enhanced value to its members and extended community.

Nicole Mahoney is President of Break the Ice Media, a marketing communications firm focused on helping small- to mid-sized businesses grow through effective marketing programs. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing and business management and has owned several well-known small businesses in the Rochester area and has worked with dozens more. She holds a MA in Communication from SUNY Brockport and a BA in Business Administration from RIT.

Nicole and her committee handle all aspects of marketing and communications for DR including brand management, writing and executing a weekly eNewsletter, public relations, website content and managing all social media channels.

Jessica is a Sr. Account Manager for Finger Lakes Technologies Group. She has spent 10+ years in technology sales working with voice and data communications vendors in the northeast. She is a graduate of Drexel University, with a BS in Marketing & Business Administration.

Jessica was a previous AWC Board Member as the VP of Public Relations. As Director of the Sales & BD Programs, Jessica is focusing establishing training events to help develop and foster sales skills for all DR Members, as well as launching a Mentor/Mentee Program to help foster relationships that benefit the entire technology community in Rochester.

Elizabeth is the Vice President of Business Development at ER Associates, a Nationwide Professional Services firm specializing in Executive and Professional Search, Outplacement and Career Transition Services.

Elizabeth is currently Director of Organizational Development and Executive Committee Member with Digital Rochester. She was the immediate Past President of Digital Rochester. The Organizational Development team is chartered with the internal development of all DR Board Members and associated Committees. The team is responsible for the overall well being of the Digital Rochester Board.