2021 Tech Champion Award Honoree Announced

Portland, Ore. – April 5, 2021 –The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) announced today the selection of Charlie Kawasaki of PacStar as the Tech Champion award winner. Kawasaki will be recognized as part of the Oregon Technology Awards ceremony, an annual program celebrating excellence and achievement in the region’s technology industry, on September 16th.

2021 Tech Champion - Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer, PacStar

2021 Tech Champion Charlie Kawasaki has over 40 years experience in software engineering, cybersecurity, network engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning. Over those years he has helped launch numerous early-stage companies, created dozens of software and networking-based products, and advised multiple early-stage technology companies in the cybersecurity and software industry. For the last 16 years, Charlie has served as a technical leader and CTO for Oregon-based PacStar, recently acquired by Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions for $400 million.

“The Tech Champion award recognizes a leader who has made a powerful impact on the regional technology industry through innovative collaboration, mentorship, and the education and expansion of a robust future workforce,“ says TAO’s Skip Newberry, President and CEO. “Since the early 90’s Charlie has truly been a champion for the tech community, founding and leading many technology-based initiatives involving the industry, public sector, and education sector. His work will continue to have a positive impact that will be felt for years to come, and I can’t think of a better recipient of our 2021 award."

Kawasaki joined the board of the Software Association of Oregon, a precursor to the Technology Association of Oregon, where he served for 9 years as board member, vice-chair, and chairperson. He currently serves on the board of the Technology Association of Oregon, the OSU EECS department industry advisory board and executive committee, the Mount Hood Community College industry advisory council for cybersecurity, and the State of Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council. In 2016, Kawasaki founded NW Cyber Camp, a leading cybersecurity educational camp for high school students, currently operated in collaboration between OSU and EnergySec.

“I’m very honored to be recognized by TAO with the Tech Champion award,'' said Kawasaki. “I’m particularly proud of launching NW Cyber Camp with my daughter and Zander Work, and growing it over the years into one of the leading cybersecurity extracurricular programs for high school students”. The 2021 Oregon Technology Awards Program is presented by JLL and UnitedHealthcare. Tickets to the September 16 event can be purchased here.

‍About TAOTAO is a local nonprofit working to build opportunities, better our economy and unify a voice for innovation in Oregon and beyond. A recognized leader in shaping and growing technology and business communities, TAO empowers businesses and entrepreneurs through networks, events, advocacy, resources and more. With over 475 member-companies, TAO’s network brings together some of the largest companies in the world, small startups, and tech-enabled companies that are using technology to drive growth and innovation.

For more information, please visit www.techoregon.org.