Aaron Wheeler, the director of the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), has stepped down after nearly a year and a half at the Department of Commerce. Wheeler, who spent 18 years in IT and education with the Native American tribes of Washington state, has been appointed to WSBO following the departure of former governor Jay Inslee. His previous role included key initiatives such as leading the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEEAD), which focuses on ensuring access to affordable internet for urban and rural residents. As the director of WSBO, Wheeler has been dedicated to overcoming challenges in the digital divide and fostering infrastructure development in under-resourced areas. His leadership has been characterized by a deep commitment to promoting economic and social opportunities for communities.
Nikesh Parekh, a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Suplari, has announced his departure from Microsoft after four years. Parekh transitioned roles at Microsoft, working on building enterprise applications for Copilot and Copilot Studio to democratize AI-driven opportunities. Parekh has expressed a renewed focus on AI’s potential to unlock human potential, with his work emphasizing the expansion of opportunities through technology. Parekh’s desire to deepen his connection to AI and its applications is reflected in his own work, which continues to shape initiatives across the tech industry in Washington state.
Michael Howell, co-founder and former CEO of the Seattle on-demand moving services marketplace Dolly, announced his departure after completing a project he led in 2021. Howell, who decoded the journey of Dolly from a “scrappy idea” to a transformative platform, stated that the startup’s success was due to his team and the support of investors and customers. Howell plans to recharge and reflect on the project’s legacy, aiming to find new directions for the future. The transition reflects a progressive approach to finance and innovation, prioritizing small-step initiatives that build credibility and trust.
Jessica Nguyen has joined Paragon Legal as a strategic advisor, following her role as deputy general counsel of AI Innovation & Trust at Docusign. She brings experience in legal advising and comes to Paragon to support the company’s focus on innovation and AI-driven practices as the industry evolves. Nguyen’s leadership and expertise are expected to support the continued growth and adoption of AI in the digital space.
Hawa Drammeh has been chosen as a summer intern at the Seattle AI2 Incubator, branching out at Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and LinkedIn, as well as companies like Highspot and Okta. Drammeh’s varied background in computer science and biochemistry now offers her a diverse perspective on the potential of AI. With Luminary’s supportive environment, she aims to leverage her technical skills to address the growing needs of startups in the Bay Area and beyond.
Eleanor Knight and Matthew Chiu have joined the YoungTech community, providing leadership roles in storytelling, content strategy, business operations, and community engagement. Knight, working as a Brand and Content Strategy Assistant at YoungTech, oversees The Path, distributing storytelling content to its members. Chiu, an Information Systems and Marketing student, is responsible for implementing business operations and communications strategies within the organization, bringing a blend of technical and business acumen to her role. Together, their leadership positions reflect the community’s dedication to fostering innovation and success among its startups.
