Résumé

In 2009, Jeff McCord was featured in an article in a local Seattle newspaper: “A ‘portfolio’ worker is quick on the draw”. For much of Jeff’s life he has employed both his artistic and his technical skills — more-often-than-not combining the two halves of his brain to come up with creative solutions to interesting problems.

At first glance Jeff’s résumé may appear to represent many different skill sets and vastly different interests. When you look more closely you will see a common thread begin to emerge — the communication of ideas through ‘storytelling.’ From designing computer games in the early 1980s, to becoming a leading Photoshop artist in the 1990s, teaching at the Art Institute of Seattle, to restoring the original house where REI was founded, and running a non-profit community access cable channel in his most recent job. Each of these jobs involves creating a narrative to inspire change, teach concepts to people, save something of historical value or significance, or communicate a message through an illustration or marketing piece.

With Jeff’s love of architecture — with a concentration on sustainability and energy efficiency — came one of his longest-standing, inventive ideas: A “low-tech, low barrier-to-entry”solar roofing material which is being proposed for the Amazon Catalyst grant program. Jeff has worked in the tech world as an award-winning,  independent game designer and programmer, worked on commercial games in the Silicon Valley area (including being one of Electronic Arts’ first “artists” back in 1984), as well as having restored, moved, and built entire houses.

To build a house, to design a computer game, or to produce a television program you need a team. Jeff’s demonstrated expertise in bringing teams together will be essential to the development of this solar roofing technology. Initial outreach has begun to the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. If awarded, Jeff will cement the necessary relationships with the UW staff and students to spearhead this project. Since Jeff is presently attending the UW’s prestigious Evans School of Governance & Public Policy, he will also have an opportunity to draw upon the skills and expertise of his cohorts in this Graduate Degree program.

Please [click on Jeff’s résumé] to learn more about his background.