Who We Are

Our Executive Team

Since its inception in 1998, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council has sought to educate, inform, grow and unite the region’s growing technology community. We seek to better the technology industry by actively connecting and enabling the community, by supporting our region’s technology companies, and by actively pursuing positive changes in our community. To accomplish these goals, the RBTC executive team, board of directors, and advisors guide the organization toward the fulfillment of its mission. With the support and guidance of these individuals, the RBTC is the primary catalyst for connecting, growing, and leading our technology community.

ERIN BURCHAM

Executive Director, RBTC

Erin Burcham is the President of Verge and Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. She’s spearheaded initiatives for technology, innovation, and talent development in the region including multiple GO Virginia projects throughout her career. Previously, she served as the director of talent solutions for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in leadership with a focus on economic development from Virginia Tech.

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TAYLOR SPELLMAN

Associate Director, RBTC

Taylor Spellman comes to the RBTC with a rich background in marketing, media relations and project management for a variety of small businesses, startups and non-profit organizations. Her portfolio showcases a successful track record of launching and scaling new programs for success. As the former Director of Public Relations for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Taylor worked with hundreds of media and news publications around the globe promoting placemaking for the regional tourism organization. Prior to that, Taylor helped the development and marketing efforts to launch Roanoke’s first coworking space, CoLab. She has held many volunteer roles for local organizations and is a co-founder for Experience, dedicated to attracting and retaining talent in the Roanoke Region. Spellman serves on the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority Board for Virginia’s Explore Park, originally appointed by former Virginia Governor McAuliffe. She is a graduate of Radford University and loves exploring new places and supporting local with her husband Tommy, their two young children and German Shorthaired Pointer Bo.

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KATIE CONNER

Technology Talent Strategist, RBTC

Prior to joining RBTC, Katie served as a destination development specialist in the partnership marketing division of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. During her tenure, she collaborated with statewide partners to generate revenue and create jobs through the development of community-based tourism programs, new products, and tourism-related businesses. She was responsible for supporting and advising strategic tourism planning efforts, technical assistance, product development, and cooperative marketing to each community in her region, as well as connecting tourism industry stakeholders with VTC services.

Katie has a Bachelor of Science degree in communication with a concentration in public relations from Radford University and is currently pursuing her master’s in business administration at Longwood University.

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