Virginia gubernatorial candidates discuss technology and business during Tech Town Hall

Posted by Anne Gavin
Director of State Government Affairs, Microsoft

Last Thursday, Virginia gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe participated in a Technology Town Hall Forum we hosted with the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) at our offices in Reston, Virginia.

Fred Humphries, Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft, kicked-off the event, which was followed by opening remarks from Bobbie Kilberg, President and CEO of NVTC, who then served as moderator.

Both Cuccinelli and McAuliffe delivered opening remarks and participated in separate panel discussions featuring Northern Virginia technology leaders, including Fred Humphries; Sudhakar Kesavan, CEO, ICF International and NVTC Vice Chair and Incoming Chairman; and Carolyn Parent, Chief Experience Officer and Co-founder, Gravy.

During the event, both candidates commented on national and local issues, and discussed how technology can help boost the economy. The lively conversation focused on a variety of topics, including issues related to jobs and the economy, small businesses, taxes, immigration, transportation and STEM education. The panels were followed by a robust Q&A session with the audience.

We were pleased to co-host this event with NVTC in order to help better inform local Virginians, the technology and business community and local Microsoft employees about the candidates’ position on these important issues. Microsoft and our hundreds of Northern Virginia-based employees are proud to be part of the vibrant information technology sector in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Check out the videos below to watch the discussion and share your thoughts on Twitter at #VATechForum!

Opening statements video:

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe speaking at the NVTC town hall:

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli speaking at the NVTC town hall: