ATLANTA (August 2, 2011) –TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), the charitable organization established by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) that is dedicated to preparing the next-generation workforce through better education and real-life job experiences, announced today the addition of Jim McManus, President and Chief Operating Officer of NewsCertified Exchange, to the Board of Directors. McManus brings extensive experience and leadership in social media and marketing to TAG-Ed and will be tasked with assisting to enhance the prominence of the organization.

 

“We are pleased to add Jim McManus to our team,” Chris Reinking, Partner at Jabian Consulting and Chair of the TAG-Ed Board Development Committee said. “And we hope to tap his experience in public relations and social media marketing to increase the visibility of TAG-Ed and all of our activities to improve science, technology, engineering and math education across Georgia.”

 Jim McManus has 20 years of entrepreneurial and management experience, and as the President and COO of NewsCertified Exchange he has been a frequent speaker in the new media and social networking space.  NewsCertified provides the global news media with a searchable database of credible, interview-ready experts who are accessible online and via mobile apps 24/7. Under his leadership, NewsCertified has grown from a concept to a formidable venture in just over three years. 

Prior to NewsCertified, McManus was the director of the Strategy Practice at Customer Value Partners where he launched a 10-person consulting group. His entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding Business Strategy Partners, a management consultancy that included clients such as Microsoft and Wells Fargo, and helping launch WorldCrest, an online exchange funded by KKR. McManus also previously served as a management consultant for Deloitte. He holds a master’s degree with honors in business administration from Columbia University.

 Tino Mantella, President of Technology Association of Georgia commented, “From the growth of the Student Internship Program to the expansion of the board of directors, TAG Education Collaborative has made great strides in the past year. The addition of Jim McManus will allow us to better promote the great programs we have to offer and help us continue to improve the workforce readiness of Georgia’s technology students.”

McManus commented – “I couldn’t be more excited about joining TAG Education Collaborative’s Board of Directors. The mission is imperative in today’s competitive environment. I’m looking forward to helping promote the positive message of an organization contributing so much to emphasizing science and technology among Georgia’s High School students.”

 

For more information on the Student Internship Program, visit www.tagedonline.org or contact Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative at mrobertson@tagonline.org .

 

TAG Education Collaborative initiatives include a student internship program, the WebChallenge competition for high school students, and the Vine Event, a fundraiser launched in 2009 which has raised more than $80,000 to support STEM education. The TAG Education Collaborative provides middle school and high school programs designed to provide these students with hands-on activities that enable them to gain an appreciation for the opportunities available in STEM careers. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 – 2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.