By Pat Byington
Bhamnow.com
Deon Gordon has been named president of TechBirmingham.
TechBirmingham is the Magic City’s leading organization dedicated to strengthening and promoting the technology ecosystem and technology companies in the region. The organization helps recruit and retain tech talent and entrepreneurs, and provides opportunities for technical training and education. Gordon was chosen to lead TechBirmingham after a review of applicants from more than 12 different states.
“Deon’s passion, experience, and vision for the future made him the perfect choice to take TechBirmingham to the next level,” said Jay Brandrup, TechBirmingham Board Chairman. “We had such a stellar pool of capable applicants and I think that shows the importance of TechBirmingham’s role in this community.”
Gordon has spent the last two years as director of business development at REV , an economic development agency dedicated to place-based revitalization and small business development.
Gordon led the launch of REVeal Kitchen in The Pizitz Food Hall, a restaurant incubator designed to offer low-cost, proof-of-concept opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs. Prior to joining REV, Gordon’s career path included multiple online entrepreneurial ventures and the web/software startup, Chronicle Studio.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to build on the great work started by Jennifer Skjellum during her tenure as President and look forward to getting started,” said Gordon. “I remain more convinced than ever that our region’s future prosperity rests upon the existence of a robust and inclusive technology landscape. After participating in the foundational development of our small business ecosystem at REV, I could not be more thrilled to build an inclusive economy for collective impact.”
Gordon serves on the boards of the Railroad Park Foundation, Birmingham Artwalk, Growing Kings, the Commercial Development Authority of the City of Birmingham, and is also a member of the American Heart Association’s Communications and Marketing Coordinating Committee. Gordon is the recipient of the 2017 A.G. Gaston Award for Outstanding Community Service and, in the same year, was recognized during the 17th Annual Salute to Outstanding African-Americans by the Birmingham NAACP.
“Deon has a passion for Birmingham and for working to make our city a better more vibrant place, said David Fleming, president and CEO of REV Birmingham. “He has been instrumental in growing REV’s programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with him in a different capacity in his new role leading TechBirmingham, a very important economic development partner organization in our city. I know he will bring the same passion, collaborative spirit and personal touch to TechBirmingham that he brought to REV Birmingham.”
Gordon will assume the role of president Dec. 1. Current President Jennifer Skjellum will remain in the role until Nov. 30.
