Planting a Future in Philippine ICT4Rice
I am honored and humbled to announce that in January 2017, I will start a new job as the ICT4D lead at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI, pronounced “eerie”) in Los Baños, Philippines. This is an awesome opportunity for me to:
- Innovate with cutting-edge research that impacts more than 3 billion people worldwide who depend on rice as their staple food.
- Lead technology teams who are deploying practical solutions for the 144 million rice-producing farms worldwide.
- Experience again the opportunities and challenges of working and living in a developing country, that itself is a major rice producer and consumer.
Yet this decision impacts more than myself. My whole family is moving to Los Baños with me, and I am very lucky that my wife, Amy, is just as excited as I am for this opportunity. This decision also impacts you – my friends, peers, and colleagues.
First, I’m deeply grateful to my FHI 360 family – from my boss, John Zoltner, to his boss, Nadra Franklin, to her boss, Patrick Fine, the CEO. All three have been ardent supporters of even my most extravagant ideas (yes, even JadedAid!), and I cannot speak highly enough of them and all of my peers at FHI 360. I truly love my tenure there, which continues through December, and would highly recommend you working there too.
Next, before you worry, many of my DC-based initiatives will continue on.
- ICT4Drinks – is already in the capable hands of TechChange, though expect a Manila chapter to be opening shortly.
- Technology Salon DC – will be run by Rob Baker, who will take it in new directions, while I will still run the overall Technology Salon umbrella organization.
- ICTworks – will continue with only minor changes, as I will still be the editor, though expect a continued focus on ICTforAg themes.
- Fail Festival – will still happen this year, so mark your calendars now for December 1 to enjoy the best variety show in Washington, DC.
Beyond that, I need your help. Amy and I will be wrapping up over 15 years of DC living – packing, selling, or giving away everything that doesn’t fit in a suitcase, and transporting the whole family to a new country. We’ll need your advice, guidance, and support with everything from renting out our house to finding quality beer and wine in Manila.
Got any tips or tricks? We’re all ears!