Board of Directors

Cliff Schmidt

President

Cliff Schmidt started Literacy Bridge after spending six weeks in rural Ghana to research ideas for the Talking Book project with local nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. Aside from his service as a grassroots lobbyist for organizations working to end global poverty (such as CARE and RESULTS), most of his prior experience comes from business, nonprofit governance, and engineering.

Cliff ran a successful open source software consulting business for clients throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America, specializing in intellectual property issues, nonprofit governance, privacy policies, and community development. He also served many nonprofit organizations, such as the Eclipse Foundation and The Apache Software Foundation (ASF), where he served on the board of directors and as the Vice President of Legal Affairs. In the 12 years prior to his consulting work, Cliff worked as an industry standards representative for Microsoft, as the open source programs manager for BEA Systems, and as a submarine officer for the US Navy. Cliff received his undergraduate degree from MIT and his M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from University of Washington.

"I am invigorated by the possibilities of what humankind can accomplish when we work together, each of us determining what resources we have to offer. I am committed to making the Talking Book project a success because I believe it provides opportunities for people around the world to help end the inexcusable disparity in access to empowering knowledge."

Arthur Tao

Vice President

Arthur Tao has more than 25 years of experience in the software industry as a manager and software developer. In addition to his current work at Literacy Bridge, he provides business and product development leadership in an early stage startup. Previously, he worked at Microsoft, DEC, and Merck as a senior development manager and lead program manager. He has extensive experience in the management of large and complex projects, international outsourcing, and working in a multi-cult ural environment.

Arthur grew up in Hong Kong, came to the US for college, and received his B.S. from Swarthmore College, and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University.

"I believe in our shared humanity, and am hopeful that the Talking Book could make a meaningful difference in each of our lives."

Kevin Reed

Secretary and Legal Counsel

Kevin Reed is an intellectual property and entertainment lawyer who practices from his base in Memphis, Tennessee.  He began his legal career by practicing criminal law for the Shelby County Public Defender. He then went into private practice and began developing his intellectual property and entertainment law practice. As an entertainment lawyer, he develops contracts for artists, labels, and managers and structures business foundations for start-up labels and nonprofits. He also secures copyrights and performance rights for songwriters and musicians and negotiates recording contracts for artists in various genres.

In addition, he is a board member of the Oak Spring Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization established to service the needs of the people of Northeast Shelby County.  He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and his JD from Howard University School of Law.

“Literacy is an essential component for all personal and community growth.  Without it, very little is possible.  The Talking Book Project will better the lives of many people by equipping them with a fundamental tool for achievement.  I’m honored to play a small role in bringing this project to fruition.”

David Hijirida

Treasurer

David Hijirida began his career as a management consultant and has worked over 10 years in the financial services industry across marketing, financial planning, and corporate strategy roles. He currently works at Amazon.com, managing credit products and developing new credit and payments related business initiatives. David holds degrees in physics from both MIT (BS) and Cornell University (MS); he also holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

"I believe in Literacy Bridge because I believe that education is the best solution to the world's economic and social issues and the Talking Book project provides an innovative educational solution with immediate impacts for the world's poor."