Press Release
Silicon Valley Chapter of WOW Announced
June 22, 1999- Palo Alto, CA.: The World Organization of Webmasters announces the kick off of the Silicon Valley Chapter, headed by Director Anthony Sanchez and Technical Director, Mark Graham.
Mr. Sanchez has been named the Director for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the World Organization of Webmasters, the largest association for internet professionals in the world. "Im really excited, and I think its an incredible opportunity for those who are interested in the web to make local contacts, especially in the Silicon Valley, where there are so many people interested in issues that we focus on such as certification standards, new technologies, community involvement, and getting appropriate compensation," stated Mr. Sanchez.
Mr. Sanchez has been a web marketing professional for Oracle Corporation for the last three years, where he has been instrumental in leading the development of the web as a customer service, support and marketing vehicle for Oracle's Support Division. He envisioned, and was successful in making "customer self-service" on the web, as a more complete and customer-focused experience. Recently, he became very knowledgeable in the Customer Relationship Marketing field, and now champions the internal implementation of Relationship Marketing, as well as manages how Oracle's e-commerce integrates with web self-service for Support. Anthony also held various positions in operations and sales management at Oracle, and earned his BA in Organizational Behavior from Stanford University.
Mr. Graham has been named the Technical Director for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the World Organization of Webmasters. Mr. Graham currently manages Oracle Support s internet and intranet websites as manager of Internet Programs and Development. He manages the marketing campaigns on the web, as well as acts as the technical strategist in this role. His strategy of most effectively leveraging technology in order to increase the ease with which customers can do business with Support, comes naturally from his background in designing applications to meet end user requirements and customer service. Mark earned his BS in Economics from Santa Clara University, and his MBA in Internet Marketing from San Francisco State University.
In making the announcement, Bill Cullifer, Worldwide Executive Director said, "Anthony brings to WOW an excellent knowledge of the web industry as he has been a pioneering web professional for several years. Having spent the last decade working in the Silicon Valley, Anthony really understands the opportunity for networking, communication and education among all Valley web professionals from government, business and education." On a more personal note, Mr. Cullifer went on to say, "Educating aspiring web students, and providing the leadership for future webmasters are two of the Association s main charters, and happen to be personally very important to him."
In reference to Mr. Graham, Mr. Cullifer stated, "Mark is a real talent, with a broad background not only in technology, but also in the internet marketing space. He brings a lot to WOW with his in-depth expertise of Oracle products and technology, combined with his web specific knowledge that he s gained over the last four years." Mr. Cullifer has been working with these two seasoned managers for over a year and a half, when they were invited to represent Oracle at an industry Web Summit meeting. When asked about having both of them Directing the Silicon Valley Chapter, Mr. Cullifer said, "Mark and Anthony have worked closely together for years, are great friends, and they make a very dynamic team. I am very pleased to have them both represent the Silicon Valley in the Association, as I am confident they will make a significant difference in the industry."
The World Organization of Webmasters is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support, education and promotion of web professionals who create, manage or market web sites. In addition, the organization creates awareness of topical issues, educational standards, proper compensation, and job grading for web professionals. Local chapters create a community of common interests and a forum for professionals to communicate. WOW is open to anyone who sincerely desires to improve their own abilities and the future of the World Wide Web, regardless of their current responsibilities or abilities.