Technology CEO Andy Miller Broadens Charitable Giving Campaign by Donating to Roots of Peace De-Mining Program
Andy Miller’s ‘Seven for Seven’ giving campaign has encouraged donors to discover, and lend their support to under-recognized non-profit organizations SAN FRANCISCO – Veteran technology-industry CEO Andy M. Miller has concluded his campaign to raise support for under-recognized local charitable organizations with a donation to Roots of Peace, a San Francisco-based international development program that rebuilds sustainable communities in post-conflict regions by removing landmines and restoring economic vitality.
Roots of Peace was founded 20 years ago by former CNN journalist Heidi Kühn after the death of the late Princess Diana of Wales, a devoted anti-landmine activist. Since then, the organization has raised much of its funds from Napa and Sonoma vintners inspired by the idea of turning “mines to vines – replacing minefields with vineyards and orchards worldwide.” Roots of Peace has worked with partners in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Iraq, Israel, Palestine and Vietnam to facilitate the removal of landmines. It is also working with farmers in post-conflict regions to improve their orchards, vineyards and crops, and gain access to new markets.
“Roots of Peace is helping to reduce the devastating legacy of landmines that continue to kill thousands of people each year and prevent many areas from returning to productive use,” says Miller, who has served as CEO of Polycom and Tandberg, and in other senior positions for companies including Cisco, IPC Systems and Monster Worldwide.
“We’re grateful for Andy’s donation, and pleased to be one of the diverse group of non-profit organizations recognized by his giving campaign,” says Roots of Peace CEO Heidi Kühn.
Miller’s “Seven for Seven” giving campaign was spurred by the realization that many smaller charities – despite playing important roles in their communities, and beyond – are struggling to connect with potential donors. “I’m glad to support each of these worthwhile causes,” he says, and I hope others will discover and support them as well.”
Andy Miller has more than two decades of executive experience in industry leading technology and telecom companies. As a senior operating executive, he has excelled in focusing on strategic growth areas, leading global expansion, and driving improved profitability. As a director, he has collaborated on successful enterprise communications IPOs, including Gigamon (GIMO).
In addition to guest lecturing at UCLA, USC and Stanford, Andy has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos and has given keynote addresses at Microsoft’s Worldwide Mobile Congress and the Aspen Ideas Festival.