DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Aug. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, today is mourning the death of Bill Henningsgaard, a past member of the CompTIA Board of Directors.
Mr. Henningsgaard, 54, a former Microsoft executive and his son Maxwell, 17, were killed Aug. 9 when their private plane crashed into a home in East Haven, Conn. Two children in the home, ages one and 13, were also killed in the crash.
"Bill Henningsgaard left his mark at many points during his lifetime; with his family, through his lifelong commitment to philanthropic work and during his tenure in our industry, which paralleled a time of tremendous growth and innovation," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "The entire CompTIA community extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of all who died in this tragedy."
Mr. Henningsgaard served two terms on the CompTIA board of directors, from 1996 through 1998. Among the association's accomplishments during his tenure on the board was the creation of the CompTIA Educational Foundation. This charitable endeavor was formed and endowed by the industry to underscore the importance of education and training in technology and IT careers. The foundation's work continues today through its successor organization, the Creating IT Futures Foundation.
"I got to know Bill fairly well working with him on our board of directors," said John Venator, CompTIA's former president and CEO. "Bill's support for the Educational Foundation was in keeping with his commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy, especially when it came to providing opportunities for young people to succeed. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."
About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org, http://www.facebook.com/CompTIA and http://twitter.com/comptia.