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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- SGI (NYSE:SGI) today announced that the U.S. secretary of commerce has appointed Sandra M. Escher to the National Medal of Technology Nomination Evaluation Committee. Escher joined SGI in 1993 and serves as its senior vice president and general counsel. In this role she oversees the development and implementation of SGI's strategy for transforming innovation into intellectual property for the benefit of SGI shareholders, customers and other stakeholders. She also is responsible for SGI's public policy activities. The Nomination Evaluation Committee is composed of distinguished experts in the fields of science, technology, business and patent law. Its primary function is to review and evaluate all nominations for the Medal of Technology and make recommendations for medal candidates to the secretary of commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the president for final selection. Committee members are drawn from both the public and private sectors and are appointed by the secretary for three-year terms, with eligibility for one reappointment. "We are very proud that Sandra was chosen for this prestigious committee membership. Her work here for the past 10 years has been exemplary, and with this appointment she can use her exceptional talent to serve the industry as a whole," said Bob Bishop, chairman and CEO, SGI. "SGI is a source of innovation and discovery and well understands the role of technology in this process." Escher earned a B.A. degree in government and economics from Smith College in Northampton, Mass., and a J.D. degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. SGI cultivates a work environment that encourages employees and executives to excel. Escher's appointment is testimony to the company's commitment and culture of excellence and diversity. SGI's goal for excellence is also evidenced by the recent FORTUNE magazine survey in which SGI ranked number 34 in the "Top 100 Companies To Work For." SGI has also been honored for the advancement of women by two distinguished organizations, winning the Professional Business Women of California's Pacesetter award and a Young Women's Christian Association of Santa Clara Valley Tribute to Women and Industry award.