We are delighted to introduce Technology Talent Strategist Katie Conner as the newest member of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council team.
 
Katie joined the team this month in the newly developed role, and we are excited by all the energy, experience, and skill she brings to the position! In her capacity as talent strategist, she will work to support member companies in attracting and retaining talent to fuel the innovation ecosystem in the region. Her efforts will go hand-in-hand with RBTC’s state-level advocacy to increase funding for tech and biotech.
 
“Talent is a major focus area for RBTC member companies as they grow in this area and look to recruit employees,” said Erin Burcham, President of Verge and Executive Director of RBTC. “We’re thrilled to have someone on our team dedicated to helping with talent needs in the regional innovation ecosystem.”
 
“I look forward to getting to know RBTC member companies and teams and facilitate growth throughout the region,” Katie said.
 
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. She looks forward to implementing this skillset at RBTC.
 
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. Katie is a Leadership Roanoke Valley alumna and has also served in an advisory capacity.
 
With over 15 years of combined experience, her unique background includes hospitality sales and management, financial account management, event planning, and marketing and public relations. Katie resides in Botetourt County and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs.