Who, What, Where

David Desch has joined Digital Force Technologies as vice president of engineering. Digital Force Technologies, or DFT, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBN Technologies, the legendary Cambridge research-and-development firm. Before joining DFT, Desch was vice president of engineering and IT at A-Life Medical, where he developed software for outpatient and clinical decision-making markets by integrating natural language processing technology.

Peter Borden has joined Wakonda Technologies Inc. as executive chairman. Headquartered in Woburn, Wakonda Technologies develops solar photovoltaic products. In this new role, Borden will focus on the strategic vision and direction of Wakonda, including work on product and market strategy and the development of strategic alliances. Previously, Borden was with Applied Materials, which he joined in 2003 with its acquisition of Boxer Cross Inc., which he co-founded and led as chief technology officer to develop metrology systems for VLSI process control.

Westfield State College president Evan S. Dobelle has been appointed by the American Council on Education's board of directors to serve on the council’s Commission on Effective Leadership. The national commission advises the council and serves as a forum for member presidents to explore issues related to leadership and institutional development in higher education. The three-year appointment begins July 1.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)