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Tech Official Heads To Maryland
by Randy Barrett
Ben Wu, assistant secretary of commerce for technology policy, is leaving the administration for a new gig with Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich. Wu will become the Republican governor's senior adviser for technology policy and secretary of business development for the national capital region.
"As a native Marylander, I am pleased to have the opportunity to build on the foundation of Governor Ehrlich's strong economic record," Wu said in a statement. "I have known the governor for over a decade, and he is committed to technology-led economic development and making Maryland a cutting-edge place to do business, both domestically and internationally."
Wu spent four years at the Commerce Department. In his new job, he will supervise the state's business development efforts in Montgomery, Frederick and Prince George's counties.
Wu said he looks forward to working for his home state on development initiatives that could become a model for the region. Ehrlich likely will face Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley in next year's gubernatorial election. The state has not re-elected a Republican governor in more than 50 years.
"I am very excited to have Ben join my administration," said Ehrlich in a statement. "From his years in federal service and with the Maryland congressional delegation, Ben is well respected in and around the business community and brings to the position a wealth of experience and knowledge about our state's business and technology."
Before entering government, Wu spent 13 years on Capitol Hill as a staffer to former Rep. Connie Morella, R-Md., and at the House Science Committee.
Supercomputer Wiz Joins Microsoft
Cray Research supercomputer designer Burton Smith has left the company to join Microsoft. Smith was the founder of Tera Computer, which bought Cray in 2000 from Silicon Graphics.
Smith created a new design for supercomputing called the "multithreaded architecture," which allows multiple programs to run concurrently.
"You never can feel good about losing a guy like Burton," said Cray lobbyist Chris Jehn, who added the company is in good shape technologically and will move ahead.
Smith will work developing Microsoft's high-test version of Windows designed for scientists and engineers.
IP Ace Joins California Firm
Ian Ballon has joined Greenberg Traurig as a partner in its Los Angeles and Palo Alto, Calif., offices.
Ballon brings with him a, A-list of clients, including eBay, Knight-Ridder, Fujitsu America, the San Jose Sharks hockey team, EMI Records, Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Studios.
Ballon was with Manatt, Phelps and Phillips where he litigated on fair use issues, copyrights, and digital copyright law.
"Ian has been on the leading edge of developments in Internet law and e-commerce in addition to establishing an outstanding reputation as skilled litigator for a wide range of intellectual property matters," said Terence Clark, co-chairman of Greenberg Traurig's intellectual property practice, in a statement.
Ballon holds a law degree from George Washington University and a master's in law from Georgetown University.
Run on Republican Staffers?
Little birds are chirping that the Business Software Alliance is looking for a heavy hitting Republican staffer to replace lobbyist Robert Cresanti. He left to lead the Commerce Department's Technology Administration. Further burbling indicates there will also soon be new Republican lobby hires at Apple Computer, Cisco Systems and TechNet.
In other lobbying news, sources say CapNet could be given new life by seven member companies that want to take over the moribund outfit and keep it running under new management. If so, they will need to pony up the cash pronto. "CapNet doesn't have the money to continue past Jan. 15," said an industry official familiar with the situation.
The Petricone family had much to give thanks for this season. Nicholas Bassett Petricone has joined the household of Consumer Electronics Association lobbyist Michael Petricone. He was born Nov. 27, stretches to 23 inches and weights 7.7 pounds. "Shockingly, he is a tall skinny guy with dark hair (his nose is still relatively small, but give it time)," said the happy dad in an e-mail announcement to friends and colleagues.
ICANN Bolsters Its Ranks
The Internet's governing body has hired Bernadette Failla as executive assistant to the general manager of global partnerships and the head of human resources; Nicole Bihari is the new executive assistant to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' general counsel; Sarah Trehern is onboard as an assistant at the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority; Peter Sanchez arrives as network engineer; and Michael Zupke is the new registrar liaison manager.
Savvis CEO Makes An Exit
Savvis CEO Robert McCormick resigned Nov. 24 after embarrassing revelations about a $240,000 one-night spree at a Manhattan strip club in 2003.
"The board has determined that it is in the best interest of the company to accept Mr. McCormick's resignation," said Clyde Heintzelman, head of Savvis' audit committee, in a statement. Heintzelman was investigating the monstrous tab, which was billed to McCormick's company credit card and later became public in a lawsuit brought by American Express when the CEO refused to pay.
Meanwhile, Steven Chamberlain, CEO of the Maryland-based satellite software firm Integral Systems, has been charged with a misdemeanor sex offense and assault on a 14-year-old girl.
"We stand by Mr. Chamberlain and his innocence," said Integral spokeswoman Staci Schmidt, who added he will fight the charge vigorously in court.
Chamberlain is charged with a fourth-degree sex offense, which is usually issued in cases of consensual sexual contact between a teen-aged minor and an adult, according to the AP.
Quote of the Week
"The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family."
Former Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham, R-Calif., who resigned from Congress Monday after admitting he took $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors. He could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
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