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Michael Gordon: SLAC's New CIO for Non-Scientific Computing

Prodigious amounts of computing power go into keeping SLAC at the forefront of science. This power relies on the lab's impressive non-scientific computing infrastructure.

To ensure the continued strength of this resource, Michael "Gordy" Gordon has been named the lab's new Chief Information Officer for non-scientific computing.

"It's exhilarating to be working at SLAC," said Gordon, who arrived in his new position in early November. "I'm looking forward to orchestrating an inclusive IT vision for the whole lab; but in this quintessential collaborative environment, I need the engagement and cooperation of all of the organizations here at SLAC."

Gordon stresses that in order to successfully update the lab's IT systems, he will need to rely on employee and user feedback. Because computing affects all individuals at the lab, everyone is encouraged to contact him with comments or suggestions for improving SLAC's non-scientific computing.

Gordon is well prepared to understand the technical needs of individuals in a large scientific organization. He comes to SLAC with extensive commercial sector management experience here in the Silicon Valley. He has held a wide range of technology management positions, from President/COO and CTO to CIO and VP Product Development. He also has experience working in a research facility, having begun his career conducting Department of Defense and NASA research at a laboratory affiliated with the University of Michigan.

"Coming to SLAC takes me full circle back to where I started my career," he said. "It's great to be working here because SLAC embodies the type of collaborative environment that makes research institutions so special."

Gordon's life is particularly interesting these days with the arrival of his third child, Ashlee Irene, born less than two weeks after he began working at SLAC. "These new changes and challenges are what keep my life interesting and exciting," he said.

—Kelen Tuttle
    SLAC Today, December 8, 2006