Michigan Council of Women in Technology Hires Executive Director
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology announced Janette Phillips will serve as the organization's first-ever executive director.
In this newly created position, she will support both MCWT and its Foundation by providing leadership in the execution of vision and strategies developed by its board of directors.
"MCWT has experienced significant growth during the last few years, thanks to our members, volunteers and partners," said Donna Cheesebrough, MCWT president and process information officer of global business services for General Motors. "Our mission has been consistent since our inception -- to serve as Michigan's premier association for women in technology. We believe we are at an inflection point in our growth and this is the perfect time to further strengthen our organization. I'm confident Janette's technology expertise and community-focused and entrepreneurial spirit will help us continue the momentum."
Phillips also will be responsible for providing administrative leadership for ongoing operations; writing grants to supplement fundraising efforts; and collaborating with MCWT's membership and partnership committees to increase member and sponsor value.
"MCWT has been making a tremendous impact within our community, all on a largely volunteer basis," said Phillips. "We want to continue on this path, while also increasing member satisfaction and the number of women positively affected by our philanthropic foundation programs. I look forward to supporting all that MCWT does for technologically oriented women in our region and helping it become more visible to the community at large."
Phillips worked for more than 16 years within the Ameritech/AT&T system as an account executive, account manager and later general manager for outsourcing solutions. She managed large commercial accounts providing voice, data and network technology. More recently, Phillips owned and operated Valley Hill Therapy Centers providing outpatient rehabilitation for patients in need of pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy. She supports various nonprofit groups including the parent education organization Building Better Families through Action. At BBFA, she served as board member and development director. She also is the incoming PTO Council President for Bloomfield Hills Public Schools.
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology promotes opportunity for women and girls within Michigan's technology community. The organization supports Michigan's female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with networking, corporate IT leadership development, mentoring, technology experiences for professionals and students, and funding for technology-oriented education. Its nonprofit foundation is dedicated to correcting the growing trend of gender disparity in the IT field by providing programs that support the education and orientation of young women throughout school and fostering women in various stages of their professional lives. More at www.mcwt.org and www.mcwtf.org.
