Power Moves is a column where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, new gig or promotion? Email baltimore@technical.ly.

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1. Chrissie Powell has been named Baltimore site director for Byte Back.

D.C.-based tech inclusion nonprofit Byte Back is expanding to Baltimore this year after winning a $750,000 grant from the TD Ready Challenge, and leading the effort will be Powell, who began as site director this month. Powell brings a local workforce development background, having previously worked since 2012 as a leader at the downtown offices of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.

Byte Back offers tech training for adults, including basic computer skills and certifications. With the city’s corporate companies as well as startups being home to tech jobs, the organization is looking to connect residents to careers.

“We really want to make sure the residents have the opportunity to be compete, especially in the tech industry. It’s not just where we’re going, it’s where we are,” Powell said.

Working temporarily out of space at the Digital Harbor Foundation in Federal Hill, Powell is seeking to establish partnerships with government, businesses and nonprofits while preparing to begin classes this summer. She is also looking to connect with people from the tech community who may want to get involved.

“Chrissie’s passion and drive will help put tech within reach in a whole new community,” Byte Back Executive Director Elizabeth Lindsey said.

2. Paragon Bioservices made a series of executive hires and promotions.

The University of Maryland BioPark-based firm that helps companies develop and manufacture biopharmaceuticals is making key people-oriented moves ahead of the opening of its new facility in Anne Arundel County.

Thomas VanCott has been hired as chief technology and strategy officer. For 14 years, VanCott served as CEO at Advanced Bioscience Laboratories, which has a U.S. office in Rockville.

“Tom will be an excellent addition to our growing team at Paragon,” CEO Pete Buzy said in a statement. Furthermore, we offer our sincere gratitude and best wishes to our outgoing Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Bill Thomas, who successfully initiated our GMP culture improvements and has greatly increased the strength and capabilities of our process development and analytical services teams.”

The company also made the following hires and promotions:

• Chris Holmes joined as VP of facilities and engineering.
• Jim Gombold was hired as VP of quality control and analytical development.
• Randy Hendrickson was promoted to senior VP for manufacturing.
• Denise Krohn was promoted to VP for quality assurance and compliance.

The company aims to have 500 employees by the end of the year, and said it also added talent in areas such as supply chain, quality assurance, regulatory and operations.

3. DataTribe added two new team members to help startups grow.

The Fulton-based startup studio that helps to build startups in cybersecurity and data science building technology developed inside government institutions is bringing on talent to offer early stage expertise.

Maurice Boissiere was named chief customer officer. He previously had leadership roles at startups that were acquired including Vienna, Va.-based AddThis (acquired by Oracle), McLean, Va.-based Orchestro (acquired by E2Open), as well as ComScore and Territory Foods, among others.

Leo Scott will join as chief innovation officer. Over 25 years, he founded a trio of startups and held leadership roles at larger organizations, focusing on technology and product development.

DataTribe itself has 11 employees working alongside resident companies, and is planning to move to Baltimore’s Port Covington.

4. R2i hired Jay Atcheson as VP of marketing.

In an announcement, the Inner Harbor digital marketing agency said Atcheson brings experience driving growth and raising brand awareness. He previously served in a similar role at fleet and finance management firm Element Financial, which has a presence in 51 countries. He also led marketing at Aerotek, the Hanover-based company run by staffing giant The Allegis Group.

“I’m excited to bring my background and expertise in launching, maintaining and growing global brands and combine it with R2i’s extensive leadership team to tackle an ever-evolving industry,” he said.

We're excited to announce Jay Atcheson as our new VP of Marketing! Learn more about @jptatcheson and the experience he brings to the R2i team: https://t.co/gmXjcuQWlz pic.twitter.com/jY723v2cKX

— R2integrated (@R2integrated) March 12, 2019