It was through my work on the Technology Advisory Board at Cairine Wilson High School that I was asked to be a candidate for the Board of Directors for NCF. The principal and teachers at Cairine Wilson were trying to change the way they taught technology programs at the school and chose an advisory board of business people to assist them. I worked with the board for three years advising them on a number of different technology related issues. I assisted them in designing the programs that would help students make better and informed career choices as well as keep them interested in school. I also advised on the curriculum of the classes taught in regards to technology centric programs. It was an excellent team environment that was very successful given the budget constraints of schools.
I have been involved on an ongoing basis with NCF for approximately four years. As a result of my affiliation with NCF, Oracle Corporation, the company I work for provided software to NCF for database management. I have worked with several NCF board members over the past four years.
I am originally from Sudbury, Ontario, but have been a resident of Ottawa since I earned a BA in Economics from Carleton University 12 years ago. I have had the benefit of being in the high tech industry since 1989 working initially at a hardware reseller and professional services firm and moved to Oracle Corporation in 1994 where I am currently employed. During my tenure at Oracle I have continued to develop my professional skills, rising from a Sales Consultant to a Principal Sales Consultant. Currently, my primary responsibility is to assist my clients is solving business problems and creating solutions through the efficient, effective, and economical use of technology.
What skills will you contribute to the NCF Board?
I am a team player and have led numerous team projects. I have worked with many organizations both in the private and public sector helping them manage change with both limited or unlimited budgets. I also have excellent problem solving skills and am known in my organization for my ability to follow through with a customer or issue.
What do you think are the most important functions of NCF for its members?
Over and above providing Internet access to its members, NCF also provides a community to its members. A sense of community is one of the most important ways of keeping NCF accessible to all of its members.
Why do you want to be an NCF director?
Sometimes I have taken for granted how integrated technology is in my life. Recently, I have had time to think about giving back some of the benefits I have had over the last decade. The Internet really has changed how people do business and live their lives. Not only does this have an effect at work, but also in their homes. The information on the Internet is becoming crucial to many aspects of our lives and I have come to realize that not everyone has the benefit of access, or effective use of, the Internet. NCF has been critical in helping provide that access and I would like to use my skills and enthusiasm to help do something positive for my community.
Thanks and good luck to everyone in the election.
Andrea Holland
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