Parchment Inc., a leading technology company that streamlines the request, delivery and sharing of verified academic and professional credentials online, announced the appointment of Ethan Beard as an independent member of its board of directors.
Beard spent nearly five years with Facebook (NASDAQ: FB), starting as the director of business development in April 2008, moving to Director of Platform Product Marketing and then on to director of developer relations. In his most recent position with Facebook, Beard oversaw worldwide developer relations, operations and product marketing for the Facebook API. Beard joined Facebook from Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), where he spent five years serving in various capacities from director, new business development to director, social media.
Beard joins Parchment’s board of directors during a period of rapid growth for the Scottsdale-based digital credentials platform company. As a member of the Parchment board, Beard will provide strategic guidance that draws on his extensive experience transforming consumer Internet services into sector-wide platforms. Beard joins a Parchment board with deep experience in education and SaaS ventures, including Parchment CEO Matthew Pittinsky, who previously co-founded the global education technology pioneer Blackboard.
“Ethan’s expertise with technology platforms combined with his track record as a successful business development strategist makes him a welcome addition to our board,” said Pittinsky. “Ethan brings a unique experience set to the boardroom and is someone whose strategic guidance will help elevate Parchment to the next level. Of particular importance, he clearly cares about education and our mission to help learners turn their credentials into opportunities.”
Earlier in his career, Beard co-founded BigSoccer, an online community and store for soccer fans and spent time structuring derivatives at Bank of America. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from the Wharton School of Business and an MBA from NYU Stern. Beard supports a variety of non-profits, including serving as a board member for Beyond 12 and represent.us. Beard currently serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at venture capital firm Greylock Partners.
“The opportunity to join the Parchment board has special meaning to me,” said Beard. “Parchment is one of those rare opportunities to develop a high-impact platform in education, a sector central to addressing so many critical social issues. Credentials play a pivotal role in education, and the mission that Matt Pittinsky and his team have established at Parchment is truly exciting to be part of. ”
Beard replaces Ted Mitchell on the Parchment board of directors. Mitchell resigned from his board position when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Under Secretary of Education, with responsibility for postsecondary education.
