Brian Toohey named SIA president

SAN JOSE, USA: The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced that Brian Toohey, 42, has been named president of the association. Toohey succeeds George Scalise, who announced his plans last year to retire in 2010.

Toohey brings 20 years of government, technology and trade association experience to the SIA. Most recently he served as a senior vice president at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Toohey will officially join the SIA on July 19.

“Brian Toohey’s strong management and industry experience will enable him to build on the contributions George Scalise has made to the industry in his role as SIA president,” said John Daane, chairman of the SIA and chairman, president, and CEO of Altera Corporation.

“Brian has an understanding and passion for technology and innovation from his extensive experience with technology-driven companies and industries. This experience will enable him to be a valuable advocate for the semiconductor industry as we confront a number of public policy initiatives and challenges that could jeopardize American leadership in technology. Brian will come aboard the SIA just as we are completing the relocation of our principal office to Washington, DC in order to intensify our efforts to work with the Administration and Congress to level the global playing field,” Daane concluded.

“The semiconductor industry is arguably the greatest example of American innovation and the strategic importance of leadership in technology,” said Toohey.

“Semiconductor-enabled technologies address the most critical issues of 21st century society: driving economic growth, increasing productivity, advancing medical science and health care, improving education, and addressing energy and environmental concerns.

“I am honored to succeed George Scalise, a man whose career has spanned nearly the entire history of the microelectronics industry. Our most immediate challenge is to communicate the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry and maintain global leadership in this industry. No other product or industry exerts such an outsized positive influence on the success of other industries and economic sectors.”

“I applaud the selection of Brian Toohey as my successor,” said Scalise. “Brian’s background and experience will make him an effective leader of the SIA.”

Toohey also received a strong endorsement from a former employer, Dean Kamen, founder of DEKA Research and Development Corporation, and inventor of breakthrough medical, energy, and transportation technologies. “Semiconductors are the building blocks for enabling innovative new technologies,” said Kamen. “Brian is a dynamic leader and a great communicator. SIA could not have chosen a better advocate for policies to retain and expand American leadership in this critical industry.”

During his seven years at PhRMA, Toohey also held vice president of International Affairs and managing director of Federal Affairs and International Trade positions. Additionally he has held senior management positions at DEKA R&D Corporation/SEGWAY LLC, AirCell, Inc., Iridium LLC and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Toohey holds B.S. and M.A degrees from Georgetown University.