CMoA Board

Lonnie Mimms has over 35 years of experience working in the Commercial Real Estate industry. In his role as CEO of Mimms Enterprises, his primary responsibilities include making major corporate decisions, overseeing the company’s fiscal activity, and providing strategic direction for the company.

During his four decades of technology and business leadership, Gil has achieved a number of business, scientific, and technological successes, including orchestrating the transformation of several Fortune 500 companies. He has served as the CEO and chairman of Apple Computer, the president, CEO and chairman of National Semiconductor, and the president of Rockwell Communication Systems, a unit of Rockwell International. He moved into venture capital with Sienna Ventures. After seeing several acquisitions through executive leadership roles, he retired in September 2008 and has since spent time launching and guiding several new companies and serving as the Chairman of the Board of two companies. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles for several associations, forums and institutes, and at the request of both President Reagan and President Bush.

Prior to his management career, he was a successful technologist. He is responsible for the development of the first practical charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, which is used today to register images in consumer camcorders, professional video cameras, digital still cameras, and in astronomical and other equipment. The CCD is the eyeball of the Hubble Space Telescope and is used extensively at observatories around the world.

Gil is an IEEE Fellow, a retired pilot, holder of 17 patents, recipient of numerous awards, and is the author or co-author of three books. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD in physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Favorite exhibit: I enjoyed seeing the Apple 1 and Lisa 1 among the other impressive early micro-computers. I was also excited to see the Apple treasures in storage. That exhibition will be tremendous one day.

First computer:  Apple 1

Why I serve on the CMoA board: There is no area untouched by technology today and many of us have witnessed it firsthand. From the race to space to the race to put computers in every home, these exciting stories need to be remembered and told. I am thrilled to bring my experience and expertise to CMoA so that these stories, the stories being told today, and those to come are preserved for future generations.

Michael Burns is the managing partner at Scroggin & Burns, LLC. His practice focuses on tax, estate and trust, and business planning. He is a frequent speaker on tax planning and serves as the President-Elect for the Florida Tax Institute. As an adjunct professor for three years at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Michael taught tax and estate planning courses.

Michael has previously served on the boards of other non-profits and is a founding member of RoswellNEXT.

Before entering practice, Michael received his law degree and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida and is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association.

Favorite exhibit: Tribute to Apollo 11

First computer:  1995 Gateway 2000

Why I serve on the CMoA board: CMoA and the team at the museum have compiled an unbelievable collection of historical technological items and exhibits. CMoA has the ability to inspire young inventors, engineers, and leaders to build upon the innovation in computing power, which has become an extension of daily life. As a father of three young children, I hope to assist CMoA in this mission while preserving and honoring the contributions of past generations.

Alfred T. Dowe is Senior Director of Development at the United Way of Greater Atlanta and joined the board at CMoA in 2021.

David Larsen is a retired instructor in electronic instrumentation and automation from Virginia Tech. He has acquired many computer artifacts, mostly related to microcomputer technology. From this collection, he opened the Bugbook Historical Microcomputer Museum in Floyd, VA, which operated from 2009-2016 (when the large collection was acquired by CMoA). David was part of the Blacksburg Group, which built and designed digital teaching equipment and computers and taught hands-on courses for microcomputer users. They developed the Blacksburg Continuing Education Series of “Bugbooks” which were pioneering in helping students, engineers, scientists, technicians, and others to quickly learn how to use new technologies and electronic techniques.

David is a ham radio operator and was an electronics technician in the Navy.  Since retiring from the University, David has founded charitable organizations related to amateur radio goodwill, education about technology, and community advancement.

Favorite exhibit:
The microcomputer exhibit. From the late 60s, I was heavily involved in teaching, creating the book series and training aids, and “lived” the years from the first microprocessor through the early years of personal computing.  Thus, these historical microcomputers hold special meaning for me.

First computer:
A PDP 8 minicomputer which he used during some of his years at Virginia Tech.

Why I serve on the CMoA board:
I strongly support the vision to expand the museum as a leading innovation and technology museum with a wonderful reputation worldwide.

Emily Phan is a seasoned technology executive with over 33 years of experience in high-tech startups, national non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. As the Chief Technology Officer at Stand for Children, she has pioneered innovative solutions for national programs in K-12 education advocacy, juvenile criminal justice, and school services across America. Her work on the “Organizer App” for community organizers and the “We Teach Kindness” online teacher community were both highlighted by Salesforce.org at Dreamforce events.

Before joining Stand for Children, Emily was the Director of IT at ESI, a global manufacturer of laser-based equipment in Portland, Oregon, where she expanded technology into a global operating environment across 12 countries. Her expertise includes enterprise strategy, technology execution, turnaround, global operations, SaaS data center management, mergers & acquisitions, e-commerce, compliance, vendor & services management, client services, digital marketing, usability, quality assurance, and product development.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Quantitative Analysis and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Portland State University. She has completed executive programs at the Oregon Graduate Institute and Harvard School of Business. Actively involved in the community, Emily serves as an advisor and evaluator of technology for the City of Portland, an executive mentor for SIMM, and an advisory council member of the PEM CIO Forum.

Favorite exhibit: The STEAM Timeline is an incredible composition of tech, people, stories, and pop culture.

First computer: An IBM PCjr.

Why I serve on the CMoA board: I serve on the Computer Museum of America board to help preserve and share the incredible history that shaped modern technology. My journey began with a family-shared IBM PCjr, sparking a lifelong passion for innovation and a career in tech. I’m dedicated to inspiring everyone to explore our tech heritage, honoring the pioneers who paved the way, and empowering young minds to imagine what comes next.

Todd Rice is Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of RFA Management Company, LLC, and an accomplished family financial services office executive with 18 years of experience in a large, complex single-family office. He has held various roles in the financial arena during his career, such as auditor, controller, and chief financial officer.

In addition to his financial skills, Todd’s experience includes partnerships, investment management, staff development, client services, organizational management, process management, and more.

A graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce & Business Administration with an Accounting major and an MBA from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Favorite exhibit:  Recalling lunar landings from my childhood would prompt me to say “A Tribute to Apollo 11,” but I’ll go with my ongoing fascination with Supercomputing. And then there is Enigma…

First computer: Apple II (school) and IBM PC (home)

Why I serve on the CMoA board: To support the museum and its leadership in implementing and executing the shared vision for a world-class computer museum in Roswell, Georgia. Our community is incredibly fortunate to host such a wonderful institution that is a testament to global technological advances to date and a source of inspiration for future generations.

Steve Stroud is the Executive Director of Roswell Inc, a 501c6 nonprofit that promotes economic development through a public-private partnership with the City of Roswell. Since the organization’s inception in 2012, Stroud has held this position, and under his leadership, Roswell Inc has developed networking, educational, and support programs for small businesses, and worked one-on-one with business owners, entrepreneurs, and state project managers to retain, expand and recruit businesses to Roswell. Additionally,  in 2021, Roswell Inc became an accredited economic development organization (AEDO) through the International Economic Development Council.

Prior to Roswell Inc, Stroud owned and operated his own small business in Roswell, Stroud’s Printing & Design, for 30 years. An active member of the community, Stroud has been involved with civic and nonprofit organizations throughout North Fulton for more than 20 years. Most recently, joining the board of the North Fulton Community Improvement District.

Favorite exhibit:
The Apollo exhibit, because it’s nostalgic of my childhood.

First computer:
Heathkit

Why I serve on the CMoA board:
CMoA represents not only the past, present, and future of technology, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind destination for Roswell. Destinations are the foundation of placemaking, which is key to successful economic development. With the city’s master planning underway, CMoA will undoubtedly be a key piece of that vision.