Biographies:
Ramona Pierson brings an extensive background and experience with the PK-20 education world as an academician, educator, district administrator, technology leader and change agent in large urban school districts. Ramona most recently managed the Department of Education Technology, Research, Evaluation and Assessment for the Seattle Public Schools where she provided technical leadership and innovation. Ramona left the Seattle Public Schools in August of 2007 to establish SynapticMash LLC, a Seattle-based company that develops and customizes a suite of products and software solutions for PK-20 designed to improve education, accelerate student learning, and foster communications between students, parents, teachers and other educators. Ramona serves as the Chief Executive Officer for SynapticMash LLC.

JJ McKay has extensive experience in building strong organizations and business models that reflect his desire to create stronger communities. Currently he is the owner and Chief Executive Officer for JJ McKay and Company. With proven success in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, he continues to maximize his global connections and negotiation skills to create win/win results for his clients. During fourteen-plus years as Senior Vice President at the American Heart Association, McKay built nationally recognized community organizations within the Heart Association. As a recognized leader, he worked to establish benchmarks in both fundraising and organization process. His many accomplishments include spearheading the single largest fundraising walk in the United States, facilitating an appearance on the Oprah show, and playing key roles in establishing internal and external campaigns. McKay's media experience, including work on television has bought positive attention to organizations and causes close to him. With a range of experience that encompasses local and national politics and policy making, the life sciences industry, branding and information distribution, JJ McKay and Company focuses on business-growth strategies, community positioning and pipeline development. McKay currently serves on the corporate boards of Reign Capital Management, Fiatlux3D, and as a corporate advisor to Atigeo. Noted for his wide range of contacts and extensive networking skills, McKay is also visibly active in the Northwest philanthropic arena. He currently serves as trustee for Seattle Opera, Pilchuck School of Glass, as well as numerous additional boards and committees.

Jay Iman is the Executive Director for the SynapticMash Innovation Foundation. He has an extensive track record of success in both the public and private sector. His years of experience span management positions in marketing research, program evaluation, strategic planning, policy development and grant procurement and maintenance. While with the Seattle Public Schools as the District’s Grant Procurement and Maintenance Officer, Jay earned a reputation as one of the most respected and credible urban school grant managers in public education, grades K-12. He has had broad experience in working with and building sound grant relationships with corporate and family foundations, City, State and federal agencies. He retired from the Seattle Public Schools in August 2007 to become the Executive Director of the SynapticMash Innovation Foundation.

Larry Numata

Allison Harris has over 30 years of experience in pubic education, including teaching K-12 students in special education and gifted programs. Her unique skills in professional development range from designing mathematics curriculum to personal coaching. Using in-person training and media such as live TV and recorded video, Allison has helped thousands of educators improve their teaching methods. As the Data Coach at Seattle Public Schools, Allison pioneered new processes in data-driven solutions for administrators and teachers. Currently she serves as the Director of Human Resources for SynapticMash LLC.

Mark Dyce serves as the Principal of 206 Inc. He has eighteen years experience as a public relations strategist, cause marketer, promoter, publicist and events producer. He launched the Seattle bureau of PR Newswire. His clients included The Boeing Company, Holland America, Nike, Immunex, numerous government agencies and a variety of non-profit organizations. From his PR and ad agency background, he founded Dyce*Friend Promotions and was the cog in the revitalization of downtown Seattle, advising Gap, Banana Republic, GameWorks, Planet Hollywood, the Harlem Globetrotters, Bruegger’s Bagels, Wolfgang Puck, and Athletes with Heart, a fundraising project with the National Parkinson Foundation and Mohammad Ali. He led the U.S. launch efforts for Japan’s popular Hamtaro™ and the world’s most popular boys’ magazine, Shonen Jump. He also helped to launch Toyota-United’s Pro Cycling Team.

SynapticMash, LLC has partnered with the SynapticMash Innovation Foundation to assist it in achieving its overall vision, mission and strategic goals. For information regarding this corporate partner, please access the following website: http://www.synapticmash.com. The SynapticMash Innovation Foundation is currently in the process of developing a partnership with other local and national charitable organizations interested in supporting the Foundation’s vision and mission.