Atlanta CEO High-Tech Council Adds Grant Thornton, Bank of America, RBC Centura, Spencer Stuart & ATDC as Sponsors

June 26, 2003

Korn/Ferry International’s Richard Steele Named to Board of Directors

JUNE 26, 2003, ATLANTA – The Atlanta CEO High-Tech Council today announced the appointment of Richard E. Steele Jr. to its board of directors and the addition of five new sponsors in the categories of accounting, banking, executive recruiting and services.

Public accounting firm Grant Thornton, Bank of America, the knowledge-based industry banking group of RBC Ventura, executive search firm Spencer Stuart and the Advanced Technology Development Center have joined the Council as sponsors to participate in executive-level networking and promote entrepreneurship in the local community.

“Grant Thornton’s participation and sponsorship of the Atlanta CEO High-Tech Council allows us to extend our reach into the business community,” said Andre’ Schnabl, managing partner of Grant Thornton’s Atlanta office. “From my experience, no other organization in our marketplace offers this level of interaction with local C-level technology executives or fosters the development of entrepreneurial companies.”

Along with the four new sponsors, the Council has appointed Ricky Steele as a director of the Council to play a major role in setting the direction of the organization. As a client partner in the advanced technology practice of Korn/Ferry International, Steele is known for his community involvement and mentoring of early stage technology companies.

“As an experienced entrepreneur, Ricky understands the pains and needs of growing companies and will contribute greatly to the Council’s mission to foster executive networking, promote entrepreneurship and facilitate charitable events,” Council President Harish Mamtani said.

About the Atlanta CEO High Tech Council
The Atlanta CEO High Tech Council is an organization based in the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The Council invites more than 1,000 CEOs and senior executives (CIOs, CTOs, CFOs) from the leading technology companies and departments in the Atlanta region to regular networking events. Other members include Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors.