Aspire Media Hires T.J. Harty as VP Technology

Aspire Media CEO Clay Hall announced today the creation of a new executive position and hire in the company’s integrated media division: T.J. Harty, former Director of eMedia Technology for Penton Media, Inc., as Vice President of Technology. Harty’s position is effective immediately.

Harty is charged with spearheading the continued extension and expansion of Aspire Media’s brands online, as well as across other digital media platforms. His immediate goal will be to further develop the rapidly growing integrated businesses for Aspire’s Interweave Press, a leading multiplatform craft enthusiast company and its new online communities for passionate crafters, KnittingDaily.com and BeadingDaily.com.

“T.J. is a very high-level eMedia executive and seasoned leader who has faced many of the challenges and opportunities Aspire Media is facing in its long-term growth strategy—and he has won,” said Hall. “Besides his impressive track record and expertise, I am particularly impressed with his collaborative and integrated approach to online media.”

Commenting on the position, Harty said, “I’m very excited to be joining Aspire Media. With Clay’s leadership and vision, the energy, knowledge, and passion of the people at Interweave, and the very engaged enthusiast market that they already have, only great things can happen.”

Harty’s background includes serving the last eleven years at Penton Media—and its acquired companies—in a number of key leadership posts. Most recently, he is the former Director of eMedia Technology at Penton Media, where he was responsible for product development, technologies, research and development, and technical innovations for future products. Other positions he’s held include Director of eBusiness Development and Web Development Manager for “Windows IT Pro Magazine.”

Harty has a B.A. from the University of Hawaii and lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.