Josh Ford
About Josh Ford
Josh Ford is an Engineering Manager in Developer Relations at Near Inc, based in Portland, Oregon. He has a background in IT and software development, with a strong interest in creative coding and blockchain technology.
Current Role at Near Inc
Josh Ford serves as the Engineering Manager for Developer Relations at Near Inc, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on enhancing developer engagement and fostering a collaborative environment for technology development. His responsibilities include overseeing engineering projects and ensuring effective communication between developers and the organization.
Previous Experience at Near Inc
Prior to his current role, Josh Ford worked at Near Inc in various capacities. He was the Developer Relations Team Lead for eight months in 2021, where he led initiatives to improve developer support and resources. Additionally, he served as a Software Engineer in Developer Experience from 2020 to 2021, contributing to the development of tools and resources for developers. He briefly worked as a Documentation Engineer in early 2020.
Background in Creative Fields
Based in Portland, Oregon, Josh Ford has a diverse background that includes both technology and creative fields. He worked as a self-employed glass artist from 2015 to 2020, showcasing his artistic skills. Alongside his artistic endeavors, he also provided IT consulting services during the same period, demonstrating his versatility in both creative and technical domains.
Education and Certifications
Josh Ford has pursued various educational opportunities to enhance his technical skills. He attended training courses at PC Productivity, Inc. from 2002 to 2003, focusing on A+, Net+, MCSE, and CCNA certifications. In 2020, he completed an 11-month program at Alchemy Code Lab, further solidifying his foundation in software development.
Career Transition to Software Development
In January 2020, Josh Ford transitioned from a 17-year career in IT to software development. This significant career shift allowed him to leverage his extensive IT experience while embracing new challenges in the software industry. His strong interest in creative coding and blockchain technology has become a focal point in his professional journey.