IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Kay Walch: 651-294-2218 c. 952-261-3860
AbleNet Inc. Names Jennifer Thalhuber as CEO
St. Paul, Minn. (May 10, 2007) - AbleNet Inc., world leader in assistive technology products and U.S. leader in providing curricular programs, skills development, and technology for special education students, has named Jennifer Thalhuber as the new CEO. Thalhuber replaces Cheryl Volkman, a co-founder of AbleNet who has been with the company since its inception in 1985. Volkman will continue on as an active Board Member, focusing on key research initiatives and working on integrating federal policy programs related to the education of kids with disabilities.
"This is a company with a rich history and a strong vision centered on serving people with disabilities," stated Thalhuber. "I am very excited by what the future has in store for AbleNet and what that will bring to our customers."
Thalhuber had been Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AbleNet. She has been a driving force around building a direct sales team as well as developing business initiatives and key partnerships. She has been active with the executive management team, working to understand all aspects of AbleNet's business, and has been a leader in implementing both internal and external initiatives.
"AbleNet has worked with Thalhuber in a variety of capacities over the last five years," affirms Volkman. "She brings a combination of skill, talent, passion, and business acumen that we need to reach our next level of growth as a company. With her at the helm, I am confident we will continue to deliver the best products and solutions to our market and continue to stay true to our corporate mission - improving the lives of people with disabilities."
Volkman will spend her time examining the needs of AbleNet's customers worldwide to better understand the issues and trends in the market as they relate to the company's mission and vision. According to Volkman, the company's mission is "to better understand what it will take to achieve measurable student progress within our group of kids with moderate to severe and profound disabilities." She will collaborate with thought leaders, governments, and organizations on AbleNet's leadership development and market responsibility to persons with disabilities. Currently, she is developing a research agenda that will allow AbleNet to define how the company's technology, curricular programs, and services help support the special education classroom. She will also be working to ensure that AbleNet's corporate giving program becomes a core part of the company's philosophy.
Prior to joining AbleNet, Thalhuber was CEO of Atka™ Software, a Minnesota-based company that creates products designed specifically to enhance home computer activities. She was also founder and owner of Jenex Consulting, a company specializing in business development, planning and strategy.
Thalhuber holds a Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in New Venture Strategies, from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. She is also a chemical engineering graduate of the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology.
About AbleNet
AbleNet offers a complete line of assistive technology products, including communication aids for non-verbal students, and access aids, such as switches and wheelchair mounting devices for students who require physical supports. The company is also recognized for developing research-based special education curricula that meet state and federal mandates. Located in Roseville, Minnesota, AbleNet is an ESOP company that sells its products through a network of distributors in more than 50 countries. AbleNet's products and programs have been used in tens of thousands of classrooms nationally for more than 20 years. For more information, visit www.ablenetinc.com.
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