San Jose-based Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, the world's first and most influential environmental watchdog on the high tech industry, announced today that Sheila Davis will become its new Executive Director. Davis succeeds founding leader Ted Smith, who will remain with SVTC as its Senior Strategist.

Over the past 5 years, Davis has played a valuable role at SVTC and in shaping environmental policy in the high tech industry. Her experience provides a strong foundation for SVTC's continued success. Last year she assumed the role program manager, overseeing all programs. Davis is also the program director of SVTC's Clean Computer Campaign and serves as a steering committee member of the national Computer TakeBack Campaign.

"This is a great day for SVTC," said Smith, who founded the organization in 1982. "Sheila and I have a wonderful working relationship. I'm really looking forward to continuing my contribution to our program work in my new capacity, knowing that the organization is in excellent hands."

"The board was very impressed with Sheila's extensive experience in working for environmental justice and her in-depth knowledge of high tech's impact on environment and health," said SVTC Board President Chad Raphael. "Her unique leadership of our program areas has earned the respect of our staff and board. As Executive Director, she will do a terrific job of leading SVTC into the future."

"I'm very proud and excited that the board and staff have expressed their unanimous confidence in me" said Davis. "I love working with all the people at SVTC and I'm looking forward to our continued leadership in support of sustainable technology and environmental justice."

Davis will start in her new position on July 1. Until then, she will work closely with Patricia St. Onge, who has been serving as SVTC's Interim Executive Director, to ensure a smooth transition.

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition is a diverse grassroots coalition that engages in research, advocacy, and organizing around the environmental and human health problems caused by the rapid growth of the high-tech electronics industry. For more information, contact Michael Robin, Development Associate, at (408) 287-6707.