Linda Stone

Linda Stone, Former VP, Microsoft, is passionate about the role technology can play in enhancing our lives. In 1986 she was persuaded to join Apple Computer to help "change the world." In her 7 years at Apple she had the opportunity to do pioneering work in multimedia hardware, software, and publishing, and to work on special projects with Chairman and CEO, John Sculley. In 1993, Stone joined Microsoft Research under Nathan Myhrvold. She co-founded and directed the Virtual Worlds Group/Social Computing Group, and with her team, researched online social life and virtual communities. In 2000, CEO Steve Ballmer tapped Stone to take on a VP role, reporting to him, to help improve industry relationships and contribute to a constructive evolution of the corporate culture. Stone initiated and worked on many projects and programs in that role, including working with acquisitions, the World Economic Forum, and starting the Microsoft Visiting Speaker Series. Stone retired from Microsoft in 2002, to work on a variety of writing and creative projects. Stone began her career as an educator and children's librarian. She serves on the National Board of the World Wildlife Fund, is involved with the Bravewell Collaborative: the Philanthropic Collaborative for Integrative Medicine, and is on the advisory board of the RIT Lab for Social Computing.