In December 2015, Christian Union presented the Christian Leader of the Year Award to a pioneer in the technology sector, Pat Gelsinger. Gelsinger provided advice and inspiration:
Gelsinger has made extraordinary contributions to his field, and his accomplishments are ones that affect many. But the ministry is especially pleased to commend his example as a faithful Christian leader.
Today Pat Gelsinger is the CEO of VMware, a multibillion-dollar technology company. He is something a superstar of Silicon Valley. But his life began on a farm in Pennsylvania.
Pat was young—just 18—when Intel recruited him from a two-year technical school. The farm boy moved to California to begin what would be a storied career, first testing the chips used in the IBM PC.
To say that Pat advanced quickly at Intel would be something of an understatement. He was promoted 15 times in as many years.
At age 31, he was appointed Intel's youngest VP. A few years later, he became its first Chief Technology Officer. His extensive work on processors helped fuel the personal computer revolution.
As if revolutionizing processors wasn't enough, while working full time, Pat also graduated magna cum laude from Santa Clara University with a BS in electrical engineering and computer science followed up with an MS from Stanford.
At age 40, he became a Senior Vice President at Intel and led the revitalization of Intel's product line.
PC Magazine named Pat the "Person of the Year" for his leadership and contribution as Design Manager of Intel's microprocessors.
After working as a top executive at Intel for 30 years, he was recruited to be Chief Operating Officer at EMC, heading up operations of a $20billion company with 53,000 employees.
In 2012, Pat took the helm of VMware. VMware is the worldwide leader in virtualization and cloud computing technologies.
He has authored more than 20 technical publications and holds six technical patents. He's received a variety of industry awards.
In the midst of a fast-paced career, Pat also grew in his commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Leaders like him are sorely needed in Silicon Valley: senior executives who are outspoken in their Christian faith.
Pat uses his influence and resources to advance the gospel and foster healthy family and working environments. As a husband and father of four, Pat speaks often of the need for people to have the proper balance of family, career, and faith. He has written books addressing this including his book "Juggling Act".
Pat is also spearheading an effort called "Transforming the Bay with Christ," to bring unity to the Christian community and expand the church throughout the Bay area.
Pat and his wife, Linda, have also set an example of radical philanthropy.
Pat's example encourages all of us to discover how we can join God in what He is doing with the skills and talents that He has given us.
Christian Union awarded Pat Gelsinger the 2015 Christian Leader of the Year award in recognition of his inspiring commitment to serve the Lord in the tech sector. Through his example, he inspires others to make an impact in their spheres for Christ – no matter the cost.
