"Fred will bring strong business leadership to the KnowledgeWay's operation," said KnowledgeWay Chairman Mario Morino. Bollerer is former president and CEO of Riggs Bank.

Dr. April Young, who has served nearly two years as the KnowledgeWay's executive director, will leave that position but will continue as a board member and serve as a consultant to the KnowledgeWay.

Bollerer will assume many of Dr. Young's responsibilities and expand on the KnowledgeWay's regional mission by building on the foundation she established.

"At this point, as it evolves from its entrepreneurial beginnings, the KnowledgeWay and the region will benefit from Fred's background as a strong business executive," said Morino.

"He is well suited to further expand the KnowledgeWay's role in positioning the Greater Washington region as a global center in the digital age," Morino added.

Under Dr. Young's leadership, the KnowledgeWay succeeded in raising Greater Washington's awareness of the region's strengths in communications and content that surround computing technologies; in creating and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment; and in focusing attention on the region's long-term potential in digital information products and services.

"April has been a dynamic force in helping the KnowledgeWay fulfill its original mission to position the region as a vibrant economic and entrepreneurial center," said Morino.

Morino will remain as chairman of the KnowledgeWay, which he formed in 1995. The KnowledgeWay is committed to making the Greater Washington region a global leader in digital information products and services.