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TAPROOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES RUSSATTA BUFORD, TIMOTHY McCLIMON, AND JUNNA RO

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2 years ago

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New board members bring expertise in nonprofit operations, finance,
law and passion for skilled volunteering

NEW YORK, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Taproot is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors:  Russatta Buford, Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro. Each is a professional at the top of their field with expertise in operations, finance, nonprofit management, and legal compliance, as well as a passion for Taproot’s mission. With more than 20 years of expertise, Taproot is a leading voice in the field of pro bono service, connecting volunteers skilled in areas such as marketing, strategic planning, HR, technology, and finance with social good organizations in need of their support.

Russatta Buford brings more than 20 years of experience in strategy, operational excellence, and change management. She participated in her first Taproot project in 2016 while working with American Express, and it was that experience that propelled a career shift from the private to nonprofit sector. Buford most recently led finance, operations, and human resources at the Ms. Foundation for Women. Prior to that, she served as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at DataKind, and held leadership positions at Teach for America, Brooklyn Org, and Global Health Corps. Before working in nonprofits, Buford worked in oil & gas and financial services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Florida A&M University and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.   

“I am passionate about acting responsibly to address the societal challenges we face. In order to do that effectively, it takes all of us—regardless of our sector,” Buford shared. “Taproot is largely responsible for my career shift to the nonprofit sector over a decade ago and I’m honored to be in a position to contribute to Taproot’s continued impact.”

Timothy McClimon is a strategic nonprofit and corporate executive and consultant who serves as President of The Celeste Group, a management consulting firm, and as the Executive Director of Signature Theatre, a nonprofit in New York. Previously, McClimon served as President of the American Express Foundation and Senior Vice President at American Express, as well as working with AT&T Foundation, Second Stage Theater, and as a lawyer for nonprofit clients. McClimon is a dynamic thought leader in corporate social responsibility, leadership development, and nonprofit management. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, an adjunct professor at New York University, and serves on the boards of Signature Theatre and the Mark Morris Dance Group. 

“As a former business and foundation executive, I have long admired Taproot’s expertise in recruiting, training, and placing corporate volunteers with nonprofit organizations in need of assistance,” McClimon shared. “Now as a nonprofit leader, I more fully understand Taproot’s place in the sector. I am proud and humbled to join the Taproot Board of Directors and be part of the team that helps sustain the organization’s vital place in the nonprofit world.”

Junna Ro is a seasoned legal and compliance executive with experience in higher education, insurance, and technology. She currently leads strategic legal initiatives at the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), which serves as the headquarters for the university system’s ten campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national labs. Ro previously served as General Counsel and Head of People at Metromile; VP, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for AAA; and Corporate Counsel for Symantec and VERITAS Software in Silicon Valley. She serves on the board of Community Boards, the longest–running nonprofit conflict resolution and restorative justice center in the country, and on the advisory council for the Asian Pacific Fund. Ro earned her JD from Santa Clara University School of Law, and her BA in Political Science from UCLA.  

“I am honored and thrilled to join the board of Taproot, to further their commitment to help nonprofits access skilled pro bono resources,” Ro said. “Taproot’s values of authentic engagement, passionate optimism, and realistic impact-orientation resonate deeply for me. I look forward to meaningfully supporting its work to advance resource equity, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable social change.”

The three new members were recommended to the Board of Directors by former Taproot CEO Linsday Gruber in one of her final acts before departing the organization in June. Taproot is grateful for her leadership during this transition and looks forward to the strategic insights that Russatta Buford, Timothy McClimon, and Junna Ro will bring to the Board.

About Taproot:

Taproot is a nonprofit organization that connects social change organizations with passionate, skilled volunteers who share their expertise pro bono. Taproot’s programs help organizations overcome their most pressing challenges and create lasting impact in their communities. Learn more at www.taprootfoundation.org.

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SOURCE Taproot Foundation

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Kerun Launches Integrated Transformer and Substation Solutions for AI Data Centers in Hot-Climate Regions

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28 minutes ago

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June 16, 2026

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JIANGSHAN, China, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kerun Intelligent Control Co., LTD., a manufacturer specializing in power transmission and distribution equipment, announced the launch of its Integrated Transformer and Substation Solutions for AI data centers, cloud facilities and high-density computing infrastructure.

Designed for demanding environments such as the Middle East, the solution supports stable power distribution in regions where high temperatures, heavy electrical loads and continuous 24/7 operation place greater pressure on power infrastructure.

Combining transformers, prefabricated substations, switchgear and intelligent monitoring systems, Kerun’s integrated solution helps data center developers, EPC contractors and infrastructure operators build reliable and scalable power systems for mission-critical facilities.

Addressing Power Challenges in Hot-Climate Data Center Environments

AI data centers and high-density computing facilities face complex electrical challenges, including nonlinear loads, harmonic interference, continuous high-temperature operation and rising power density. In hot-climate regions, transformer thermal performance, fire safety and long-term reliability become even more important.

Key features include:

K-Factor harmonic-resistant transformer design: Optimized for server clusters and high-harmonic environments, helping reduce overheating risks and improve stable operation.FR3 vegetable oil-based insulating fluid option: Supports improved fire safety, thermal performance and overload tolerance, making it suitable for facilities requiring uninterrupted operation.High-efficiency power distribution: Helps reduce power losses, energy consumption and long-term operating costs.Intelligent monitoring and detection: Enables visualization of operating parameters and supports preventive maintenance in demanding environments.Reliable power architecture: Supports redundancy configurations for mission-critical loads.Flexible engineering customization: Allows adaptation based on voltage level, local climate conditions, installation environment and project specifications.

Designed for Reliability, Safety and Scalability

As AI, cloud services and digital infrastructure continue to expand across the Middle East, reliable power systems are becoming a key foundation for data center growth.

“Data centers in high-temperature environments require power systems that can deliver stability, safety and efficiency under continuous operating pressure,” said Mr. Wang, General Manager of Kerun. “Kerun remains committed to providing integrated transformer and substation solutions that support resilient digital infrastructure.”

Beyond data center applications, Kerun also serves utility, industrial, renewable energy and long-distance power transmission sectors.

About Kerun

Founded in 2004, Kerun Intelligent Control Co., LTD. provides power transmission and distribution solutions for utility, industrial and digital infrastructure projects worldwide. Its portfolio includes transformers, switchgear, prefabricated substations, energy storage containers and EV charging infrastructure.

For more information, visit: https://ar.kerunpower.com
Learn more about the solution: https://ar.kerunpower.com/solutions/transformers-solution-for-data-center/

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kerun-launches-integrated-transformer-and-substation-solutions-for-ai-data-centers-in-hot-climate-regions-302801093.html

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Arcfra Releases AKE 1.6 to Enhance Production Kubernetes Operations and Network Management

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June 16, 2026

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SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Arcfra announces the release of Arcfra Kubernetes Engine (AKE) version 1.6, the latest version of its production-grade container management and service platform.

This release improves Kubernetes operational efficiency and strengthens production network management. AKE 1.6 introduces form-based visual management for Kubernetes resources, enabling users to deploy and manage applications without writing complex YAML files. It also supports separation of workload cluster management networks from service networks and multiple network interfaces for Pods, helping enterprises address security isolation, compliance, and high-performance networking requirements.

Form-Based Visual Management for Kubernetes Resources

AKE 1.6 introduces form-based deployment and management for Kubernetes resources, allowing users to complete common application operations through the UI instead of manually writing and maintaining YAML files.

This capability brings infrastructure, Kubernetes clusters, and business applications into a unified visual management experience. Users can view related resources in a single interface, access frequent operations more directly, and reduce the complexity of managing containerized applications.

Separated Management and Service Networks for Workload Clusters

To prevent management traffic and service traffic from affecting each other, AKE 1.6 supports separating the management network from the service network for workload clusters.

In this architecture, management traffic and business service traffic are isolated into separate network planes. The container service network cannot directly route to control plane components such as the Kubernetes apiserver. Even if a container is compromised, control plane operations remain isolated, improving platform security and helping enterprises meet network isolation and compliance requirements.

Multiple Pod NICs for High-Performance and Isolated Network Access

AKE 1.6 also introduces support for configuring multiple network interfaces for Pods. This capability supports scenarios where applications need access to multiple network planes for security isolation, direct connectivity, or higher network performance.

Compared with Overlay networking, direct flat network access can reduce network overhead and deliver higher throughput and lower latency, with an approximately 20% performance improvement in applicable scenarios.

AKE: Proven in Production

AKE powers mission-critical systems for enterprises in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and other sectors, including ConnectWave and Foxconn.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/arcfra-releases-ake-1-6-to-enhance-production-kubernetes-operations-and-network-management-302801094.html

SOURCE Arcfra

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Daymond John and the RedPocket Mobiles Drop “Color Rush” Jersey — and Two Fans Get to Pitch the People’s Shark

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28 minutes ago

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June 16, 2026

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Giveaway opens June 16 in Ogden; grand-prize winners receive a signed jersey, a free year of wireless, and a one-on-one pitch session with Daymond John

OGDEN, Utah, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedPocket Mobile today announced the release of the RedPocket Mobiles’ new “Color Rush” red jerseys, designed in collaboration with Shark Tank entrepreneur and spokesperson Daymond John, alongside a fan giveaway that puts two winners in the room with the People’s Shark.

RedPocket sponsors the RedPocket Mobiles, which are RedPocket Mobile’s barnstorming Pioneer Baseball League team, a club with no home stadium that plays its entire season on the road. The team is powered by RedPocket Mobile, the independently owned wireless company that lets customers choose coverage across all three major U.S. 5G networks, so the Mobiles stay connected no matter where their team bus takes them.

The giveaway, which opens June 16, awards two grand-prize winners each: a Mobiles Color Rush jersey signed by Daymond John, an official team hat, a full year of RedPocket Mobile service on the network of their choice, a team merch bundle, and a 30-minute pitch session with Daymond himself.  On the call, Daymond will hear their business idea, push on it, and coach them on how to make it better.

“Getting to have a hand in designing the RedPocket Mobiles’ jerseys was something I couldn’t pass up with RedPocket. Every business starts with someone willing to take a chance and that’s why I’m looking for the fans who have a real idea to pitch to a Shark. I can’t wait to hear what these entrepreneurs bring to the table,” said Daymond John.

The giveaway runs through late June. Full entry details are available on the RedPocket Mobiles, RedPocket Mobile, and Daymond John Instagram channels.

About RedPocket Mobile RedPocket Mobile is an independently owned wireless company founded in 2006. RedPocket gives customers the choice of coverage across all three major U.S. 5G networks, with locked-in rates and no price increases. [Confirm/trim boilerplate to current approved standard to your comfortability, alex.salas@redpocket.com.

Entry via Instagram post on @redpocketmobile, @redpocketmobiles  and @TheSharkDaymond

Media contact: [Alex Salas / Alex.salas@redpocket.com / 5626-644-3864]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daymond-john-and-the-redpocket-mobiles-drop-color-rush-jersey–and-two-fans-get-to-pitch-the-peoples-shark-302801034.html

SOURCE RedPocket Mobile

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