After 12 years of leading the Technology Association of Georgia, Tino Mantella announced that he will be stepping down as the organization's President and CEO at the end of 2016. The news was announced at a recent meeting of TAG's Board of Directors.
 
“Since 2014, I’ve shared with our board’s executive officers that my desire was to take on a new challenge, to make the next impact while testing my skills. Simultaneously, I have outlined a plan, in concert with our Board of Directors, to build on TAG's incredible legacy as we drive to become a top 5 State in the USA for technology. As a result of those discussions, I have asked the board to start the process needed to conduct a national search for a leader who will take TAG to the ’next level’ of success.” Mantella said.  "I am proud that we are well on our way as an organization and a State and that TAG will be left in wonderful condition thanks to a fantastic board, staff, Leadership Council, membership and partners."
 
Under Mantella's leadership, TAG has become the largest state technology trade association in North America with more than 30,000 members, multiple chapters and societies, and a prestigious board made up of over 60 of Georgia's leading technology stakeholders. Prior to joining TAG in 2004, Mantella had amassed over 20 years of related experience leading the National Arthritis Foundation and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
 
“Tino has headed TAG during a period of dynamic and exciting change within the tech industry,” said TAG 2015 Board Chairman and First Data Corp EVP & Head, Barry McCarthy. “Because of his expertise and guidance we’ve created a tremendously effective association guided by industry-leaders second to none. Tino’s leadership has put us in a true position of strength that will only continue to drive us forward.”
 
“We are so thankful for Tino’s 12 years of service and know that 2016 will be a capstone year for him and TAG as we advance some truly exciting growth plans recently approved by the Board,” said Stacie Hagan, VP Human Resources at Dell SecureWorks and TAG 2016 Board Chair. “The next several months will provide many new exciting opportunities as we roll out TAG’s new quantum growth strategy, and we are fortunate to have the benefit of Tino’s experience and input as we do this.”
 
Mantella is a member of the boards of Venture Atlanta Coalition Inc., TAG Education Collaborative, the Midtown Alliance, the Tech College System of Georgia’s Foundation, and the Chambers of Commerce in North Fulton and for Georgia; and on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Metropolitan Chamber.
 
“Over the years with the help of the TAG Board and countless technology leaders I’ve been honored to be part of a true transformation that has put Georgia’s technology industry on the map,” Mantella said. “This has been extremely exciting and rewarding and when I leave TAG at the end of next year, I can confidently do this knowing TAG has never been stronger.”