MANCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glenn Britt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) has been elected to the Board of Directors of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
Glenn Britt is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Cable (TWC). In November 2009, he was named one of five corporate US executives appointed by President Barack Obama to a task force charged with strengthening America’s economic competitiveness by increasing the scale, scope and impact of private-sector and philanthropic support in improving American students’ proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
“FIRST is very fortunate to receive the support of some of our nation's most iconic corporations, from industrial giants who have shaped technology for a hundred years to Internet and media companies that have fundamentally changed our way of life,” said Dean Kamen, President of DEKA Research & Development and the founder of FIRST. “We are very proud of the support we are now receiving from the media and popular culture. Glenn Britt’s experience in the arenas of both STEM education and media combine in his enormous personal commitment to ensuring that future generations are given every opportunity to be educated and inspired by science. We are pleased to welcome him to the FIRST Board of Directors as we strive to spark the next generation’s passion for technology and engineering."
Time Warner Cable is focused on working with FIRST to reach new audiences and ultimately, to drive the demand for STEM education through afterschool robotics programs and other activities outside of the classroom. In addition to a unique Web site called “Connect a Million Minds” (CAMM, connectamillionminds.com),TWC is using public service announcements (PSAs) and local community events and employee engagement to raise awareness of the need for FIRST robotics and more STEM resources. The Web site highlights FIRST robotics competitions around the country and encourages volunteers and mentors to support teams of young participants.
TWC has provided financial, in-kind, and personnel support, investing countless volunteer hours in FIRST. The company has produced PSAs, given grants, and provided volunteers in much needed areas to assist FIRST in providing all students with an experience that inspires innovation and cultivates a passion for science and engineering.
“Glenn’s proven leadership, extensive management and operations experience, and his personal commitment to STEM initiatives adds significantly to the depth of our growing organization,” said Walt Havenstein, FIRST chairman. “We welcome the opportunity to advance our mission through the world of social and interactive technologies to increase awareness and inspire young people to be science and technology leaders with the benefit of Glenn’s counsel and oversight.”
TWC is currently the largest sponsor of the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) Midwest Regional event and supports 10 FRC teams, 8 FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) teams and 37 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) teams in 7 states.
"FIRST has been a terrific partner for our Connect a Million Minds initiative since its inception," said Glenn Britt. "Our organizations share a passion for fostering a new generation of problem solvers. I am proud of the work we have done together and am honored to further that commitment as a Member of FIRST’s Board of Directors.”
Mr. Britt has been the driving force behind TWC’s aggressive deployment of advanced video services, such as video-on-demand, high-definition television and digital video recorders. Mr. Britt has guided the growth and increased penetration of Time Warner Cable’s residential high-speed data product and has overseen the efforts of Road Runner Business Class, the company’s commercial broadband service. He has also championed the launch and growth of Time Warner Cable Digital Phone and development of new wireless products such as Road Runner Mobile.
Glenn Britt joined Time Inc. in 1972 in the controller’s department and rose to VP and Treasurer of Manhattan Cable Television, Inc. (1974), Finance Director for Time-Life Books’ Iran Project (1977), VP of Network and Studio Operations for Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), and Director of Business Development of Time Inc.’s video group (1980).
He is active on industry boards and community organizations, serving on the boards of directors and has received many industry honors, including induction in Broadcasting & Cable’s Hall of Fame; Cable Positive’s Joel G. Berger Award; the NCTA’s Vanguard Award for Distinguished Leadership; The Media Institute’s American Horizon Award; the NAMIC Stanley B. Thomas Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Kaitz Foundation Diversity Champion Award. In 2010, he was named Humanitarian of the Year by the UJA-Federation of New York.
Britt received a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College, where he graduated magna cum laude. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Mr. Britt received an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth, where he sponsors the Britt Technology Impact Series. The program series examines various aspects of the growing impact of technology on corporations and individuals and the business strategy issues surrounding new technology.
About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems located in five geographic areas — New York State (including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. Time Warner Cable serves more than 14 million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers a suite of phone, Internet, Ethernet and cable television services to businesses of all sizes. Time Warner Cable Media Sales, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions that are targeted and affordable. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com and www.twcmediasales.com.
About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and close to $15 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for high-school students, FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for 9 to 14-year-olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada) and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.
FIRST®, the FIRST® logo, FIRST® Robotics Competition, FRC®, FIRST® Tech Challenge, and FTC®, are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®). LEGO® is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group. FIRST® LEGO® League, Junior FIRST® LEGO® League, FLL®, and Jr.FLL™ are jointly held trademarks of FIRST and The LEGO Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2011 FIRST. All rights reserved.
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