Winners to be Announced at September 27 Awards Gala Celebrating Technology Innovation in Orange County

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Russ Garcia, CEO of Menlo Micro , has been named a finalist in the Best Private Company CEO category of the OCTANe High Tech Innovation Awards . The award category recognizes CEOs who have exhibited a successful management model at their company and give back to the Orange County community. Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner on September 27 at the Balboa Bay Resort.

With more than 35 years of experience in the electronic systems and semiconductor industries, Garcia has a proven track record in executive leadership positions in both public and private companies. As CEO of Menlo Micro, the company responsible for re-inventing the electronic switch, he oversees corporate direction and strategy while focusing on leadership, technology innovation and customers. He has led the company in creating technologies that serve multiple industries – with a market opportunity of more than $20B – including next-generation 5G mobile networks, industrial IoT markets, battery management, medical equipment, home-automation, test and measurement, and more.

“I am honored to have been selected as a finalist for Best Private Company CEO,” said Garcia. “Our strong leadership team at Menlo Micro is driven by the endless possibilities for our disruptive Digital-Micro-Switch technology. I am fortunate to be part of this innovative, passionate team that is dedicated to employee growth, technology innovation and customer success. We will continue to invest in the advancement of the Orange County technology community.”

Garcia has raised over $200 million in capital and driven upwards of $1 billion in M&A transactions in Orange County. He is also active in the community through contributions of time, leadership and finances in organizations such as the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the Orange County Rescue Mission, Orangewood Foundation, OCTANe, and many others.

“Our committee reviewed significantly more Private Company CEO nominations this year than in previous years – and selecting finalists was not easy,” said Cara Davidoff, manager of strategic initiatives at OCTANe. “We congratulate Menlo Micro for being selected as a finalist and look forward to welcoming them at the gala on September 27 th .”

Now in its 25 th year, the High Tech Innovation Awards is Southern California’s premier awards program event celebrating achievement among the regional tech industry. OCTANe honors local companies, individuals and products that drive innovation in Orange County.

For a complete list of the High Tech Innovation Awards finalists, visit www.octanehta.com/finalists-1 .

About OCTANe OCTANe is building the SoCal of Tomorrow by connecting people, resources and capital to fuel technology growth in Southern California. Its members represent technology executive leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists, academicians, and strategic advisors, all working together to fuel innovation in the region. The organization has helped more than 800 companies via the LaunchPad SBDC accelerator. LaunchPad companies have received more than $2.1 billion in investment and equity exits. These investments have supported the creation of more than 8,200 new jobs. OCTANe annually welcomes more than 7,000 people to its signature events and programs. More than 2,000 business leaders throughout the region are OCTANe members. For more information, visit www.octaneoc.org .

About Menlo Micro Headquartered in Irvine, California, Menlo Micro is reimagining one of the most fundamental building blocks of electronic systems – the electronic switch. The company’s Digital-Micro-Switch platform is a game changer for those who design electronic systems, serving multiple industries including next-generation 5G mobile networks, industrial IoT markets, battery management, home automation, electronic vehicles, and medical instrumentation. Menlo Micro is backed by GE Ventures, with investments from Corning Incorporated, Microchip Corporation and Paladin Capital Group. For more information, visit www.menlomicro.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter .

Media Contacts: Justine Houston-Brown Lages & Associates (949) 453-8080 justine@lages.com  

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