APPROACH
APPROACH
ABOUT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ted Waitt is the founder and chairman of the Waitt Foundation. At 22, he co-founded Gateway 2000, Inc., where he helped pioneer the direct marketing of personal computers. Labeled a maverick by national business publications, he became a Fortune 500 CEO and member of the Forbes 400 by the time he was 30. Since his retirement from Gateway, Inc. in 2004, he has gone on to form multiple enterprises: Avalon Capital Group, Inc., The Waitt Foundation, The Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention, and The Waitt Institute. Ted oversees all Waitt Foundation and Waitt Institute efforts and is actively engaged in each project from conception to completion.
Ted Waitt
Founder & Board Chairman
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Dave Russell
Vice Chairman
Dave is the CEO and Founder of Puro Sound Labs, a consumer audio company that focuses on Healthy Hearing consumer audio products. Previously, Dave served as Executive Vice President of Avalon Capital Group, Inc., from 2005-2014. He serves as a board member and vice chairman for the Waitt Foundation & Waitt Institute. Prior to Avalon Capital Group, Inc., Dave worked at Gateway, Inc. from 1988 until 2005 in a variety of positions, including director of procurement, senior vice president of procurement, senior vice president – supply chain, and general manager of digital television. He joined Gateway’s Board of Directors in February 2007, leaving when the company was sold. Dave serves as the Chairman for 1MORE USA, a global leader in affordable premium audio products. Additionally, Dave serves on the board of directors of Vizio, Inc., an industry-leading consumer electronics brand.
Shane Hartnett
Board Member
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Joining Avalon Capital Group Inc in 2007, Shane is currently the firm’s President responsible for investment and operational oversight. Avalon Capital Group Inc is a wholly-owned private investment company owned by Ted Waitt, co-founder and former chairman of Gateway Inc. Shane also serves on the Waitt Foundation Board of Directors. Prior to joining Avalon Capital Group, Shane was a vice president at Gateway, Inc., holding numerous positions in operations and supply chain management during his 20-year tenure. Notably, he developed, launched and operated Gateway’s manufacturing facilities across Asia and North America.
Hailey Waitt
Board Member
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Hailey attended the University of Southern California, where she studied both history and forensic psychology, graduating with honors in 2012. She has prior non-profit operations experience as a part of the team at CONNECT, a San Diego based organization dedicated to promoting innovation in Southern California. Hailey is an active community volunteer, having devoted her time to philanthropic work with organizations such as Becky’s House, Voices for Children, Promises 2 Kids, and Rebero Orphanage in Rwanda. She provides strategic advice and a fresh perspective to the board. Currently, Hailey is working on her first novel, a fusion of historical and fantasy fiction.
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Max Waitt
Board Member
Maxwell Waitt is an entrepreneur based in San Diego known for his refined approach to hospitality, spanning destination travel and boutique real estate.
Born in Sioux City and raised in Southern California, Max graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California in 2020. After relocating back to San Diego, Max jumped headfirst into luxury residential real estate and boutique hospitality. In 2022, Max and his sister, Hailey, launched Orli, their boutique hospitality brand, with its flagship property debuting in La Jolla, California. Growth and expansion plans for the brand are currently underway, as well as adjacent and synergistic investments in hotel technology that reinforce Max’s passion for the independent hospitality industry.
Beyond business, Max is committed to impact with organizations such as Big Table, which supports hospitality workers during times of crisis and struggle. As a trained crisis counselor, he actively supports The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention work for LGBTQ youth. He also sits on the board and Investment Committee of the Waitt Foundation, advancing global marine conservation.