Seattle-based tax software company Avalara has named Ross Tennenbaum as its new president. Tennenbaum, who joined Avalara in 2019 and became CFO a year later, will continue to serve in that role while also overseeing the company’s main business lines and other departments. Before joining Avalara, Tennenbaum had experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse and played a key role in helping Avalara go public in 2018. Avalara, which was founded in 2004 to help online retailers and others navigate complex tax regulations, was recently acquired by private equity firm Vista Equity Partners for $8.4 billion and serves more than 41,000 customers in 75 countries.
Another tech leader, Stefan Weitz, who spent over 18 years at Microsoft, is now leading a new company called HumanX that focuses on AI. Based in New York City, HumanX recently announced a $6 million funding round and plans to host events, provide advisory services, and launch a nonprofit dedicated to responsible AI regulation. Weitz believes that the challenge for today’s leaders is not just inspiration or fear of AI but effectively evaluating and deploying it in ways that are impactful, responsible, and sustainable, ensuring a real return on investment. With a focus on making AI accessible and practical for every organization, HumanX aims to help clear and forge a path for the responsible use of AI.
Seattle startup Common Room has brought on marketing veteran Drew Spencer Leahy to lead its product marketing efforts. Leahy, who previously worked at Incredible Marketing, PatientNectar, KlientBoost, and HockeyStack, joins Common Room, founded in 2020, which helps companies build stronger connections with people in their communities. The startup won the Startup of the Year award at the GeekWire Awards in 2022. The company’s goal is to provide a better conduit for companies to engage with their community and enhance their relationships with customers and stakeholders.
The Russell Family Foundation, a Seattle-area nonprofit, has added two new board members: Evlyn Andrade, who is the executive director of EarthCorps, and Rashad Morris, principal and founder of Impact Donor Strategies. These additions bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the foundation, which focuses on environmental sustainability, social justice, and community engagement in the Puget Sound region. Andrade and Morris will contribute their knowledge and passion for creating positive change in the community through their roles on the foundation’s board.
As AI continues to play a significant role in technology and business, HumanX, led by Stefan Weitz, aims to provide a platform for responsible AI regulation and deployment. With a focus on making AI accessible, understandable, and practical for organizations of all sizes, HumanX plans to host events, offer advisory services, and launch a nonprofit to promote ethical AI practices. Weitz believes that the key challenge for leaders today is not just understanding AI but deploying it in ways that are impactful, responsible, and sustainable, ensuring a positive return on investment for organizations.
In conclusion, the tech industry continues to see new developments and leadership changes with companies like Avalara, HumanX, and Common Room making strides in their respective fields. With experienced leaders like Ross Tennenbaum and Stefan Weitz at the helm, these companies are poised for growth and innovation in the coming years. Additionally, the addition of new board members at The Russell Family Foundation showcases a commitment to diversity and community engagement in the Seattle area. Overall, these developments reflect the ongoing evolution and impact of technology and innovation on businesses and communities.
