Published: December 03, 2008 02:42 am      

Wade Linger brings needed experience to state BOE

The residents of Marion County have a right to be proud of one of their own.

That’s because Marion County businessman L. Wade Linger Jr., who has years of experience with high technology in the public and private sectors, has been appointed to the West Virginia Board of Education.

Gov. Joe Manchin, in announcing the appointment, said Linger’s background is a good match to the state’s goal of providing high-tech skills to its students, according to The Associated Press.

That he will be.

Linger’s appointment, which goes into effect immediately, fills a vacancy left by Ron Spencer, whose term ended on Nov. 4.

“I am honored to have been chosen as a member of the state school board,” Linger said. “I’m eager to join my new colleagues and especially Superintendent Dr. Steve Paine. I intend to add value to the board’s team and hope to do all that I can to improve our state’s education system and the future of our students.”

Linger has worked for a variety of high-tech companies, including a stint as the first vice president of research for the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation (WVHTCF).

“The business acumen and technology-related background that Wade brings to the board of education, I believe, will serve his fellow board members and our state’s education system well,” Manchin said. “If we expect our young people to be prepared for the 21st century skills needed to compete in a global market, then it is essential that we continue to have leaders that understand how to implement and carry out the strategies necessary to achieve results.”

Linger began his career in technology as a defense contractor for ManTech International Corp., where he wrote and maintained computer software used by the U.S. Navy to track aircraft maintenance and parts.

Following his stint with the WVHTCF, which began in 1994, Linger established a new information technology company, TMC Technologies, Inc. By 2004, it had grown to around $10 million per year in sales, with 80 employees. Linger sold TMC to Maryland-based Global Science & Technologies (GST) in 2005.

Linger established the technology consulting business Linger Enterprises Inc. and a restoration shop for collectable and classic cars known as Wade’s Garage, located in Pleasant Valley.

In March 2007, Linger completed his commitment to GST and has worked full time at Wade’s Garage since then.

We commend Manchin’s appointment of Linger to the state board of education.

And like the governor, we, too, think Linger will have a positive impact in providing high-tech skills for the Mountain State’s students.