Karim Meghji is stepping into the shoes of a leader who’s helped shape the future of education in tech. As the new president and CEO of Code.org, the Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated to computer science education, Meghji brings a wealth of experience from his time as CTO at Remitly, the digital remittance company that makes sending money across borders feel like a breeze. He joined Code.org in 2022 as chief product officer, steering the organization toward an exciting AI-focused direction that blends innovation with real-world learning. Imagine a nonprofit that’s not just teaching kids to code, but preparing them for a world where AI is as common as smartphones— that’s the vision Meghji is championing. This transition wasn’t just about replacing a key figure; it was about passing the baton from someone who built the foundation. Cameron Wilson, who served as president for over 12 years, is shifting to an executive advisor role, a gracious move allowing him to stay connected while mentoring the next wave. Reflecting on Wilson’s legacy, Code.org founder Hadi Partovi praised his immense impact, calling him instrumental in creating an institution that will educate students for generations. It’s heartwarming to see such deep gratitude for someone who poured their heart into expanding access to tech skills for everyone, regardless of background or location. Born in 2013 from the vision of brothers Hadi and Ali Partovi, Code.org has grown into a powerhouse, backed by nearly $60 million from tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Today, it boasts an impressive 102 million students and 3 million teachers worldwide, with over 232 million student projects that spark creativity and problem-solving. Their AI curriculum alone has touched more than 6 million young minds, introducing foundational concepts through engaging activities. Initiatives like the “Hour of AI” campaign have reached over 25 million students, showing how accessible and fun tech education can be. Despite facing layoffs in January that brought the team to 107 employees, the organization remains resilient and focused on its mission. Partovi, who has chaired the board for the past two years, will continue in that capacity, ensuring steady guidance. This leadership shift at Code.org feels like a new chapter in a story of empowerment, where technology isn’t just taught but lived and shared.
While big changes are unfolding at Code.org, other tech leaders are charting new paths in the industry. Jeff Hebert, a seasoned engineer with 15 years at Seattle product development firm Synapse, where he rose to president before leaving last August, has landed as Amazon’s new senior hardware manager. Leading a team on last-mile delivery innovations, Hebert is all about harnessing intelligent sensors, human-digital interfaces, and robotics powered by AI, edge processing, and connectivity. He shared on LinkedIn that these technologies hold “immense potential to increase safety and efficiency at the heart of Amazon’s business,” and it’s easy to picture drones, smart vehicles, and automated systems making deliveries faster and greener. After a stint at consulting firm Capgemini Invent, Hebert’s move feels like a natural progression in a career dedicated to blending hardware with cutting-edge tech, much like building the ultimate puzzle where every piece enhances the whole. His enthusiasm reflects a broader trend in tech: turning scientific advancements into everyday solutions that make life better for people and businesses alike. It’s refreshing to see leaders like Hebert excited about solving real problems, from reducing carbon footprints to streamlining your package’s journey from warehouse to doorstep.
Meanwhile, Ryan Aytay, the former CEO of Tableau, is stepping into a thrilling new role as president and chief operating officer at Boston-based Code Metal. This company specializes in AI tools that automatically translate and optimize code for different hardware systems, a game-changer for developers tired of manual tweaks. Aytay announced his departure from Salesforce, where he’d been since 2019 after they acquired Tableau, ending nearly two decades there. His LinkedIn post bubbled with excitement: “I’m incredibly energized about this next chapter… the combination of world-class tech, real customer demand, and team building with urgency and integrity is rare.” It’s a testament to finding that perfect fit after years of leading data visualization efforts. Code Metal’s recent $125 million Series B funding round, valuing the company at $1.25 billion, underscores the high stakes and high rewards in AI-driven code optimization. Imagine software that adapts seamlessly across devices— from smartphones to supercomputers—making programming more efficient and less daunting. Aytay’s entrepreneurial spirit, honed through his time at Salesforce, will no doubt fuel Code Metal’s growth, creating tools that empower creators and push boundaries in the tech world.
Elsewhere in Redmond, Douglas Dawson is taking on enhanced responsibilities as the lead for communications at Microsoft, specifically for the team’s cloud and AI strategy. With almost 12 years at the company, including leading the global communications team, Dawson brings a deep, insider’s perspective to sharing Microsoft’s vision for cloud computing and artificial intelligence. His role is about crafting narratives that inspire and inform, ensuring that users—from everyday consumers to enterprise giants—understand the innovations powering their digital lives. It’s a position that requires not just technical know-how but also the human touch of storytelling, bridging gaps between complex tech and real benefits. Dawson’s background as a longtime communications leader makes him ideal for articulating how Microsoft’s strategies are shaping the future, from secure data storage to AI-driven insights that could revolutionize industries. In a world where tech can feel overwhelming, leaders like Dawson humanize the experience, making it relatable and exciting.
The tech ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest continues to buzz with fresh talent moving into pivotal roles. Harshit Shah is now chief technology officer at LiveView Technologies, a company focused on cloud-connected video surveillance, safety, and remote monitoring solutions. Coming from positions at Kyruus Health, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft—where he spent four years as an engineering leader and a decade as a software and program manager—Shah’s expertise shines in building robust, scalable tech. His journey through giants like AWS and Microsoft has equipped him to tackle the challenges of real-time monitoring and security, turning potential threats into manageable, even preventable scenarios. Meanwhile, Diana Leo brings her political prowess to the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce as vice president of governmental affairs. With a background in nonpartisan civic education advocacy through iCivics, grassroots work for Utah Sen. Mike Lee, and senior roles in the first Trump administration, Leo is poised to navigate policy landscapes and foster growth in business and community. And Andrew Peterson, a Seattle native turned entrepreneur-investor, has joined the board of directors at DryRun Security, a cybersecurity firm in Austin. Having co-founded Signal Sciences (acquired by Fastly in 2020) before leading Aviso Ventures, Peterson’s career embodies the spirit of innovation and protection in a digital age rife with risks.
Finally, Vincent Valentino is embracing a new challenge as the energy economy lead at the Washington State Department of Commerce, building on his over three years leading green economy initiatives for the City of Seattle. As vice chair of the Washington State Green Bank, Valentino is passionate about advancing clean energy and climate tech, declaring on LinkedIn his eagerness to make Washington “a national leader in all things clean energy.” His work is personal—like envisioning neighborhoods powered by renewables, reducing emissions, and creating jobs in sustainable sectors. In a region often at the forefront of environmental innovation, Valentino’s role symbolizes a collective push toward a greener future, where policy and passion intersect to spur action. From Tech Tuesdays where kids code to offices humming with green energy, these leaders are the human faces behind progress, reminding us that behind every announcement is a story of ambition, legacy, and hope for a better world. In sum, these transitions highlight a vibrant tech scene where experience meets opportunity, fostering education, innovation, and sustainability across the board. The Pacific Northwest, with its powerhouse companies and forward-thinking nonprofits, continues to be a beacon for change, where leaders like Meghji, Hebert, and Valentino aren’t just taking jobs—they’re shaping destinies, one connection, one project, one watt at a time. It’s inspiring to witness how their personal journeys weave into the larger tapestry of technological evolution, proving that with the right people in place, the future isn’t just bright; it’s collaborative, compassionate, and oh-so-human.
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