Paul Gudonis

Paul Gudonis
President, FIRST

As FIRST President, Paul Gudonis brings 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology and communications industries, as well as a consistent commitment to improving the impact of technology and education in our society.

In industry, Mr. Gudonis has been a pioneer in wireless, internet, and eLearning software and services. His career has included launching the country's first cell phone company at Ameritech Mobile; serving as Chairman and CEO of Genuity, Inc., where he grew the first internet backbone network into a billion-dollar global operation; and most recently as President and CEO of Centra Software, Inc., a provider of software for online classrooms and collaboration.

In addition to his technology industry experience, Mr. Gudonis has taken an active, leadership role in issues such as the impact of technology on society and education. He is currently Chairman of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, and a member of TechNet, a national organization of technology industry CEOs committed to increasing the number of science and engineering graduates in the United States. In addition, he has served on the United Way of Massachusetts Bay Chairman's Committee and the Dean's Advisory Council at his alma mater, Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He also earned his MBA degree at Harvard University.