Oregon's tech sector saw a leadership shuffle this month with the State Chief Information Officer, Terrence Woods, snagging the chair spot on the Board of Directors for Link Oregon. Established to keep the state's vital services digitally connected, Link Oregon is the lifeline for countless non-profit and public service entities when it comes to broadband needs, as reported by the State of Oregon. Woods, the man now at the helm has been a veteran of the initiative, contributing since its inception.
The annual member meeting on June 24 was where the baton officially got passed. Andrea Ballinger handed over chair duties after her term concluded, with 2025 looking squarely in the eyes of Mr. Woods. Abhijit Pandit, not without his commendations, stepped into the role of vice chair and chair-elect, setting the stage for future transitions, as per the State of Oregon. This meeting, now immortalized in a recording for those who couldn't attend, wasn't just about leadership changes. It had local and national broadband pundits offering their two cents, these included voices from education, public libraries, and local government officials from Oregon, Nevada, and Utah.
Link Oregon's bread and butter is providing high-speed connectivity known as the 'middle-mile' for public institutions, and Woods' reappointment symbolizes a continued commitment to this mission. A consortium led by heavy-hitting entities such as Oregon Health & Sciences University and several state universities reflects not only in the services offered but also in the collaborative approach to digital equity the organization strives for. Woods acknowledged this collaborative spirit and mission in his statement, "As we move into our new fiscal year, I am proud of the work we have accomplished and am excited to continue with our mission and meeting the needs of Oregon’s public sector and non-profit organizations across the state"
