Event Details

Topic:  “Roanoke – Blacksburg – A Region Poised for Growth  –  What Role Will You Play?”

Speaker: Jonathan Whitt, President & Chief Executive Officer Roanoke – Blacksburg Technology Council

In a 21st century global economy where innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial culture matter, our region has many of the key ingredients needed to succeed. We have one of the highest concentrations of colleges and universities per capita to supply skilled talent, top-tier research, and a thriving technology community.

We realize that being poised for growth is not enough. We need to proactively and effectively capitalize on opportunities that come from having a network of well-connected entrepreneurs, organizations, and resources. While this may not be easy, the time is right and the consequences of inaction are significant. Targeted investments build on our competitive strengths and fill critical gaps, positioning the region to compete on a global scale. More importantly, these investments are designed to make incredible things happen for individuals, companies, and our community.

Jonathan Whitt is the President and Chief  Executive Officer of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. He works closely with leaders from the business, local government, and higher education sectors to carry out a mission to develop an innovation ecosystem in the Roanoke and New River Valleys of Virginia by focusing on high-impact startups, talent development and recruitment, and stronger partnerships between industry and institutions of higher education.

Prior to his position with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Innovation Network, Jonathan served as Executive Director of the Region 2000 Technology Council. During his time there he was a key player in the development of several regional technology-based economic development projects; including the creation of the Region 2000 Partnership, the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, the Future Focus Educational Foundation, and the Lynchburg Regional Governor's STEM Academy.

Jonathan is a long-time advocate for broadband deployment and STEM education initiatives, having served on numerous organizations and workgroups related to these issues. Jonathan has also been an entrepreneur and technologist, with three business startups to his credit, two of which were technology companies. He has also worked for the following advanced manufacturing firms: Babcock & Wilcox, First Brands, Parker Powertrain and Waytec Electronics.

Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude in Applied Management from Ranken Technical College and holds professional certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He lives in Bedford County, Virginia with his wife Jennifer and two children.

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