Aggiornamenti nel mondo della tecnologia: Avalara nomina un presidente; un ex dirigente di Microsoft lancia un forum sull’IA; Common Room ingaggia un nuovo responsabile prodotto.

Avalara Appoints Ross Tennenbaum as President

Seattle-based tax software company Avalara has announced the appointment of Ross Tennenbaum as its new president.
Tennenbaum, who initially joined Avalara in 2019 and later assumed the role of CFO in 2020, will now take on additional responsibilities overseeing the company’s main business lines and various departments while continuing his tenure as CFO.
Before joining Avalara, Tennenbaum held positions at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, playing a pivotal role in Avalara’s successful initial public offering in 2018.

Avalara: Revolutionizing Tax Compliance since 2004

Founded in 2004, Avalara has been at the forefront of assisting online retailers and businesses in navigating intricate tax regulations effectively.
The company recently made headlines by being acquired for $8.4 billion by the private equity firm Vista Equity Partners in 2022.
With a vast customer base of over 41,000 clients spanning across 75 countries, Avalara continues to be a key player in simplifying tax compliance for businesses worldwide.

Stefan Weitz Launches HumanX for AI Community

Stefan Weitz, a tech veteran with over 18 years at Microsoft, has embarked on a new venture with HumanX, a platform dedicated to fostering a community and discussion forum around artificial intelligence.
Based in New York City, HumanX recently secured a $6 million funding round and announced its inaugural event scheduled for March 2025.
The company’s vision includes hosting industry events, offering advisory services, and establishing a nonprofit focused on promoting responsible AI regulation.

Empowering Organizations with Practical AI

Weitz emphasized the importance of practical AI deployment in today’s business landscape, highlighting the need for impactful and sustainable solutions that deliver a tangible return on investment.
Drawing from his experience at Microsoft and his entrepreneurial endeavors, including his time at Radial and the startup Jetson, Weitz aims to make AI accessible and practical for organizations of all sizes.

Christopher Burger Named CISO at Slalom Consulting

Seattle-based business and technology consulting firm Slalom Consulting appointed Christopher Burger as its inaugural Chief Information Security Officer.
Burger, who joined Slalom in 2018, brings a wealth of experience from leading organizations like Washington Mutual, Corbis, Clearwire, and Russell Investments.
His appointment underscores Slalom’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity posture and safeguarding client data.

Common Room Welcomes Drew Spencer Leahy as Product Marketing Lead

Seattle startup Common Room has brought onboard marketing expert Drew Spencer Leahy to spearhead its product marketing efforts.
With a background that includes roles at Incredible Marketing, PatientNectar, KlientBoost, and HockeyStack, Leahy is poised to drive Common Room’s mission of facilitating meaningful connections between companies and their communities.
Recognized as Startup of the Year at the GeekWire Awards in 2022, Common Room continues to make waves in the industry.

The Russell Family Foundation Expands Board with Key Appointments

The Seattle-area nonprofit, The Russell Family Foundation, has welcomed two distinguished board members: Evlyn Andrade, executive director of EarthCorps, and Rashad Morris, principal and founder of Impact Donor Strategies.
These appointments signal the foundation’s commitment to broadening its expertise and fostering community partnerships to drive positive social and environmental change.