A Message from the New SAO President: Harvey Mathews

I am very excited to have been selected to lead the Software Association of Oregon into its next stage. As a “Board Observer” for the last four years, I have witnessed the struggles, hopes and aspirations of its members. I am taking on the challenge of leadership because I am excited to work with the committed members of the SAO who care deeply about their role in helping Oregon achieve her unique economic potential.

As the convener of the industry leaders who are dealing with technology, creativity and international trade, the SAO represents the future. Collectively we need to take a more active stance to ensure our future success. If we do not, other regions will create the economic and political climate that attracts the capital, infrastructure and talent necessary for the growth of our industry.

My experience in strategic planning, management, fund-raising and membership development will serve the SAO well at this point in its development. I have set a personal goal to grow our membership by continuing to add value. Everyone who belongs to the SAO – those who create, embed, manage, support or sell software – should be able to articulate the value of becoming an SAO member. Similarly, elected officials, public agencies and educational institutions must also be educated regarding the importance of the software industry to the local and state economies.

It is my plan to challenge myself, you and our elected leaders to create this climate by making intelligent changes in our education, economic and tax systems. If we’re successful, we will create a better future for our children in the world economy. If we’re not, to paraphrase a classic Jimmy Buffett line, “it’s our own damn fault.”

Background
Harvey Mathews worked most recently as the lead advocate for education, technology, elections and fiscal policy issues for Associated Oregon Industries (AOI), the state’s largest comprehensive business association. His achievements in that role included $100 Million investment into Oregon start-up companies, creation of the Expanded Options program for high school students, and the development of the Oregon Open Primary. Previously, Mathews worked in the Speaker’s Office in the Oregon House of Representatives and was a public school teacher at Sam Barlow High in Gresham. He is a proud alumnus of Western Oregon University.