Doña Keating has retired from WSTA as president, effective October 31, 2009.
Keating made the announcement to the board on September 22, 2009. The Board has appointed Charles Keating as Interim President to serve the remainder of Ms. Keating’s term, which expires December 31, 2010. He has resigned the Vice Presidency, a position which is now vacant, but will remain Treasurer. William Huckabee is sitting Secretary, with Ted Farmer serving At-Large.
Doña has had a long and distinguished tenure with the association. A founding member since 2000, Ms. Keating was elected to the board in 2002, where she became Vice President, then President, in 2003.
Under her leadership the association has undergone a name change to West Sound Technology Association (WSTA) and grew to over 150 members. As a result of her efforts, the association developed partnerships with dozens of regional associations and sponsors, including: Washington Technology Center, MIT Enterprise Forum of the Northwest (MITEF), Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN), Prosperity Partnership, Shidler Law Center for Science and Technology at UW, Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), Seattle ITEC, and Technology Alliance. Sponsors recruited include SMB Nation, Keating Consulting, Harrison Medical, The Kitsap Sun, Autonomix, Embarq Communications, Intellicheck-Mobilisa, Kitsap Bank, Kitsap Business Journal, Kitsap County, KPS Health Plans, Port Madison Enterprises, Port of Bremerton, The Doctors Clinic, Trust CC, Microsoft, BOXLIGHT, Paladin Data Systems, eAcceleration, Olympic College, and more.
Keating has worked closely with other organizations such as Kitsap Public Utility District, Kitsap Regional Library, The Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), and many others.
WSTA also updated its logo and website, began the production of its quarterly newsletter, and launched Catching Bytes Radio, a live broadcast which reverts to On Demand. Business Breakfast Briefings were also launched, and monthly meetings can be viewed online or on BKAT or Bainbridge Island TV. Ms. Keating also spearheaded the association’s annual Western Washington Summit, now in its eighth year and scheduled for October 8 at Silverdale Hotel from 4p-7:30p.
“Doña brought WSTA to a completely new level in her years as President. When I consider our presence at the regional, state, or even national level, her tireless efforts and influence have left an indelible stamp on the association and the technology community.”
Ms. Keating expresses deep appreciation to the community, Board, and volunteers for their support and encouragement during her years in office. “True leadership requires embracing organizational change. As I shift focus to my private consulting practice, Professional Options, and other civic leadership opportunities, I invite the community to engage WSTA with renewed purpose and vision as we charter it into new directions.”
Charles Keating has played pivotal roles with WSTA as Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of both the Website and Membership committees. The Board of Directors is grateful for his willingness to serve as Interim President and looks forward to working with him as WSTA maps its future.
