Netscape fed exec starting anew

Four years after joining Netscape Communications Corp.'s federal group, John Menkart left his job as director of government sales last week to become vice president of worldwide sales at WeGo, a California-based startup.

While at Netscape, Menkart led the company to many deals with federal agencies, including the 1997 agencywide contract with the Defense Department for Netscape software. That contract has expanded over the past three years to cover all of Netscape's enterprise messaging, directory services and Web server software offerings.

In his new role at WeGo, Menkart will focus on the Washington, D.C., market.

The company creates portals and Web communities for trade and professional associations, including the National Mental Health Association and the California Farm Bureau Federation.