By Jean Hollands

Some corporate stars will explore good works - beyond the traditional business battlefield. This is very good news. There are a few thousand executives in Silicon Valley who cashed in their stock at the right time a few years ago, then stayed with their companies to see them through the downturn.

Now that the economy has a more cheerful outlook for most business ventures, those loyal execs no longer have to nurse their corporations. They are ready for change. They are young. They are tired of high-tech. They have evolved. They are independently wealthy. They are ready to give back.

The journey might be like this: They will leave their companies, buy a sailing vessel and travel around the world first. Or they will buy a winery, or they will just veg out and take the kids to school every morning. They will still love the Bay Area, and their spouses and children are now attached. And then, eventually, they will get tired of all the travel and introspection.

They will want to use their wonderful brains, test their own logic, strategic planning, marketing skills, and do something technical or political, but with the best of intentions. They will look to the not-for-profit organizations. These organizations and associations have been bleeding for executive execution for years. They need the results orientation and their volunteers need some direction. A solution made in heaven. Wait and see.