At the invitation of the Seidenberg School, Matthew Knell (MS/IS ’00), director of social media at AOL, has assumed the role of Tech Mentor-in-Residence for the 2011-2012 academic year. In this capacity, he will share his considerable expertise as a social media marketer and Web technologist with members of the Pace community.
Matt is an ardent booster of the burgeoning New York City digital scene. In his words:
“After a long history as media capital of the world, New York is now becoming the center of the digital universe as well. With digital companies big and small planting long term roots here, there’s never been a more appropriate time to learn how businesses and professionals are working together to build the future vision for digital New York.”
Matt officially launched his mentorship with a “Tech Talk” titled “Made in NY: The Intersection of Tech, Media and Entrepreneurship” at a breakfast on the downtown campus on October 20. This was followed by a day-long seminar of the same name on October 29 that featured panel discussions on topics ranging from “How to Get a Job in NYC” and “The Changing Face of News” to “Real-time Deliciousness” and “The State of Now in Social Media.” Each session included high profile participants who are well-known in their particular niche.
In addition to the formal events, Knell will make himself available several hours per week on campus at 163 William Street for individual and group consultation.
The Tech Mentor-in-Residence program was created at the initiative of Jonathan Hill, assistant dean and director of special programs and projects, for the purpose of enhancing the overall educational experience of members of the Seidenberg community with knowledge that can only be gleaned from successful practitioners in the field. The resident mentor can also provide invaluable practical career advice.
Later in the year, the program will expand with the addition of David McKinnis, CTO of SureTech.com, a consulting firm that provides a variety of technology services to small businesses. Prior to joining SureTech, McKinnis had his own firm that specialized in helping nonprofits function more effectively through technology. He began his career as a software developer with Microsoft where he worked for 13 years.
Matthew Knell is a Web technologist and marketer with a long history of designing, developing, and marketing a wide array of successful products and brands including About.com, JetBlue Airways and MTV Networks. An active member of the New York Technology scene, he is also co-founder of SM4SC, an online marketing organization that has used social media tools to raise more than $40,000 for non-profits with no fixed budget. In 2009, he was the lead organizer of SocialChangeCamp, an unconference focused on the sharing of knowledge of the intersection of Non-Profits and Technology. He was the director of emerging and social media strategy at CafeMom, and is currently social media director for AOL. He also teaches Social Media and Information Architecture at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, A Seidenberg Alumnus (’00), Matt is excited to be back as part of the Pace community as the Seidenberg School’s first Tech Mentor-in-Residence.