Featured Speaker(s)

Linda Routson is currently a Technical Services Manager on the US DOD Services Team at Microsoft Corporation. Linda has been with Microsoft for four years, managing Microsoft support services for the Overseas Navy Networks, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information networks and the Naval Postgraduate School. Linda came to IT Management from the functional perspective, having spent 23 years in the US Navy in various technical positions, including Department Head of IT Services in major command, Administrator of 3 Local Area Networks in a classified tactical environment, Officer in Charge of overseas web based training program and simulated live intelligence training feeds in electronic classrooms and a learning center. In 2004, she deployed to Afghanistan with the Joint Task Force - 76, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where she installed secure, tactical networks for American and Coalition Forces. Prior to coming into the IT Management arena, Linda flew tactical helicopters for the Navy and spent eight years in the Pacific Theater providing search and rescue support and shipboard mission support.

Linda holds a B.A. degree from California State University at Northridge, and is finishing her Master of Science Information Technology Management degree through National University. She holds certificates in IT Service Management, Satellite Technology Operations, Network Administration, and Database Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

She established and serves as the lead for the San Diego DIGIGIRLZ program, a program that provides free technical and programming camps for high-school aged girls. She was nominated for the 2010 Athena San Diego Pinnacle award for her work in developing and promoting interest among young women in technology education and careers. Her outside interests center on her family and raising two terrific teenagers.