David M. Blair

Personal Biography:

A veritable "old-timer" in the Personal Computer world, I began working in the PC industry in 1976. For 13 years, I owned a computer store in Orange County, California. I have 20+ years of experience in PC and network implementations, plus 6 years as a classroom teacher and 2 years as an educational technology coordinator. I hold certificates in Computer Maintenance, HTML and Computer Applications Instruction. I have served on several non-profit boards, including the Boys and Girls Club of Cypress, El Dorado County 4-H, and the Cypress Community Festival Committee. I have been presented service recognition awards by the American Cancer Society, California State University Alumni Association and members of the California State Legislature.

I currently live on 5 acres of forested property in rural El Dorado County with my wife and several animals. Our children (between us we have ten) are all adults, either in college or out on their own; two are currently studying in Europe. I love the environment here where I live. However, I regret the lack of significant community involvement all across the region. I am co-founder of Ama-Rado Connections, an organization formed to explore the use of technology to strengthen community involvement within the rural Motherlode.

Goals:

I perceive the Fellowship as an opportunity to expand my capabilities as an advocate for the use of technology tools to strengthen community involvement in my region of the state. The organization I represent, Ama-Rado Connections, was founded precisely for the purpose of encouraging the use of technology as a community building tool in the rural Motherlode, a "community poor" area. I consider myself to be quite technically competent and look forward to improving my advocacy skills, my community-building skills and developing connections with statewide and national organizations.