NEEDHAM, Mass. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — July 28, 2015 — PTC (Nasdaq: PTC) today announced that its executive vice president and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Jane Wachutka has been selected as one of the top CIO/CTO leaders in the United States committed to an increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the education system and initiatives that promote STEM talent. The honor comes from STEMconnector, who profiled 100 U.S. CIOs/CTOs who have been actively advancing STEM education throughout their careers, industries and companies. The publication was presented at the STEM Council meeting in Washington, D.C.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150728005191/en/

Jane Wachutka, EVP & CTO, PTC (Photo: Business Wire)

Jane Wachutka joins other PTC executives who have been recognized in the past for their commitment to STEM awareness and education. PTC has a history of supporting STEM education through programs like FIRST and the PTC® IoT Academic Program.

“PTC congratulates Jane on receiving this recognition for her work to promote STEM awareness and education,” said Jim Heppelmann, president and CEO, PTC. “Increasing awareness and promotion of STEM education has never been more important to get students passionate about careers in science, technology, engineering and math. This is an imperative for securing the future of America’s innovation and leadership in technology and PTC prides itself on focusing our community outreach on the development of STEM programs and content.”

“Congratulations to the business champions of technology included in this 100 CIO-CTO leaders publication,” said Edie Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, STEMconnector® & MillionWomenMentors®. “Technology is driving all employers. Businesses know how disruptive technology is and the role of the CIO and CTO is critical as the IT sector faces technology changes that are fast and furious. The CIOs and CTOs profiled in this publication not only excel in the execution of their strategic roles but also recognize the importance of promoting STEM education and talent within their organizations and communities.”

“STEM education is critical to our nation’s ability to foster a culture of innovation and create prosperity for its citizens,” said Jane Wachutka, executive vice president and CTO, PTC. “We must never be satisfied with the status quo and should constantly challenge ourselves to continue a proud heritage of invention and discovery. Through PTC’s partnership with FIRST, it has been life changing to be able to contribute to a STEM education program with the mission “to show students of every age that science, technology, and problem-solving are not only fun and rewarding, but are proven paths to successful careers and a bright future for us all.” It is an honor to be recognized among other executive leaders that support similar programs that inspire and educate future STEM talent.”

Ms. Wachutka believes that programs like FIRST that make science fun are a key aspect to capturing the imagination of children and help foster a strong pipeline of STEM educated talent for the future. PTC’s program “The Engineer of the Future” is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math through programs like FIRST. PTC also works with academic institutions to build STEM education content that can augment classroom activities and inspire young people to design and quickly build systems that harness the Internet of Things to invent new solutions to everyday problems. Through these programs, students gain strong career-related experience and skills, PTC’s customers benefit as these students pursue STEM educations and enter the workforce as qualified employees, and PTC builds important relationships with potential future users of its technologies.

Additional Resources

• PTC’s Academic Program (web site)
• PTC® IoT Academic Program (web site)
• PTC’s Community Relations Programs (web site)
• PTC and FIRST (web site)

About STEMconnector ( http://www.stemconnector.org)

STEMconnector® is a consortium of over 152 companies, associations, societies, policy organizations, government entities, universities and academic institutions actively engaged with STEM education and the future of human capital. With several products and services, STEMconnector® is both a resource and a service, designed to link “all things STEM.” STEMconnector’s network includes organizations at the national, state, local and global levels. STEMconnector® focuses on the STEM workforce and jobs, with a particular emphasis on diversity and women. Our work spans the entire pipeline (K-J—Kindergarten to Jobs) and how STEM education experiences translate into careers. For more information contact Lorena.Fimbres@STEMconnector.org.

About PTC