TechBridge, a 20-year old Atlanta-based nonprofit, dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through the innovative use of technology to transform nonprofits, today announced the appointment of Andre Dickens as its vice president of development.
Dickens will serve as the lead fundraiser and development strategist to help expand TechBridge’s resource ability for providing technology and programmatic support to other nonprofits, assisting communities and families in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and other markets nationwide.
“(Dickens) is a forward-thinking community leader with a proven track record in engaging audiences and creating innovative strategies that put technology at the center of breaking the cycle of generational poverty,” said TechBridge CEO Nicole Armstrong. “I am excited to announce (Dickens) as the TechBridge VP of Development at this important juncture, as we look to build upon two decades of commitment in helping individuals, nonprofits and communities to succeed in this digital age.”
A key focus of Dickens’ new role will be to create new pathways that deepen TechBridge partnerships with the donor community, philanthropic organizations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) business units, with a specific focus on supporting TechBridge’s workforce development efforts.
“I’m excited because I believe technology serves as a bridge to bringing ideas and people together, and I look forward to locking arms with (Armstrong) and other leaders in the nonprofit, philanthropic and business communities for the greater good,” Dickens said.
Armstrong said that Dickens has been a member of the TechBridge team since 2018 serving as the architect of the TechBridge ‘Technology Career Program’ (TCP), a community-focused workforce development initiative designed for non-traditional students. This intensive four-month technology skills training provides market-ready skills needed for in-demand corporate technology jobs and matches graduates with employers.
The TechBridge Technology Career Program was co-developed with Goodwill of North Georgia and the Atlanta business technology community, with the purpose of breaking the cycle of generational poverty through entry-level technology jobs that lead to stable careers. Graduates of this program have been hired by leading corporations and technology companies such as Accenture, Anthem Inc., Coca-Cola, Elavon-USBank, Equifax, Google, Graphic Packaging International, Southern Company, and others.
Dickens currently serves as Atlanta City Councilman Post 3 At-Large (elected in November 2013) and is the chairman of the Council’s Transportation Committee, providing oversight to city streets, bridges, sidewalks, paths, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“Being a native Atlantan, a recognized community leader and alumnus of Georgia Tech makes (Dickens) perfectly suited to lead our funding strategy with philanthropic organizations and CSR business units,” Armstrong added. “(Dickens)’s unique skillsets are exciting in that they will allow us to continue to deepen our programmatic ties with communities, while also leveraging Atlanta’s position as one of the top technology hubs, not only in the Southeast but in the nation.”
Dickens attended Atlanta Public Schools and is a graduate of Mays High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Public Administration degree in Economic Development at Georgia State University.
Dickens is affiliated with several organizations including the Georgia Tech Alumni Board of Directors, Leadership Atlanta, Diversity Leadership Atlanta, United Way, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the New Horizon Baptist Church.
