Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Nashville:

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has named Stephanie Coleman as the successor to Ralph Schulz who is retiring after 18 years leading the organization as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

A 17-year veteran of the Chamber, she has an extensive track record of success and innovation in key leadership roles, most recently as Chief Talent Development Officer. Over her career, Coleman has touched nearly every aspect of the organization, including marketing and communications, policy, member value, and talent development. Her leadership in roles such as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Talent Development Officer has allowed her to build strong relationships with members and stakeholders, making her uniquely equipped to lead the Chamber into its next chapter.

From Knoxville:

The Knoxville Technology Council‘s Women in Tech group will hold its inaugural networking happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST on January 23 at the Marble City Market, 333 West Depot Avenue, Suite 110. To register, click here.

Another from Nashville:

President Joe Biden last week revealed the newest honorees of the recipients of the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and two of the winners of the first award are associated with Vanderbilt University.

1. Larry M. Bartels is a University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law, is the holder of the May Werthan Shayne Chair of Public Policy and Social Science, and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions.
2. Kevian G. Stassun is the Stevenson Professor of Physics and Astronomy, a Professor of Computer Science, and Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation.

From Chattanooga:

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Randy Boyd, President of the University of Tennessee (UT) System, told the newspaper during an interview that UT at Chattanooga (UTC) “is on pace to become classified as a higher-tier research university by 2027.” His comments came after Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly questioned why Chattanooga is the only major city in the state without an R1 university, a designation used by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education to categorize research activity.

Boyd reportedly told the newspaper that he expects UTC will become an R2 university by 2027. He added that he “would prefer to see university officials invest $25 million in a field like quantum research than spread $50 million across 100 different practices. Chattanooga has an opportunity to excel in computer science and quantum research, particularly with EPB’s creation of the nation’s first commercially available quantum network. UTC has a node on that network.”

Three more from Chattanooga:

1. Sammy Lowdermilk, who has served as Program Director for Tech Goes Home Tennessee for nearly a decade, has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer of The Enterprise Center, home base for the initiative. In June, the Board of Directors named Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman, who had served as Executive Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, to succeed Deb Socia who has served in that role for the past five years. Quarterman’s LinkedIn profile indicates she left the organization in December.
2. State officials joined with Microtex Composites Inc. executives to announce that the company will expand its presence by locating the company’s first U.S. operations in Southeast Tennessee. Microtex Composites will create 26 new jobs and invest nearly $3.8 million in Chattanooga through the project. Based in Italy, the composites manufacturer has experienced rapid growth in its European markets due to increased demand from its customers in the automotive and aerospace industries. The move to Hamilton County will establish the company’s manufacturing presence in the U.S., allowing Microtex Composites continued global growth.
3. The Ascension Leadership Conference returns on April 10 to the Marriott Downtown. Organized by Hinton & Company in partnership with the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, this one-day event will “empower professionals at all career stages to grow as leaders, manage teams effectively, and make a lasting impact on their organizations,” said officials. Designed for professionals navigating the complexities of leadership, the conference offers an immersive experience featuring: (1) keynote speakers delivering real-world leadership insights; (2) facilitated workshops on decision-making, communication, and resilience; and (3) curated networking opportunities designed to connect and inspire.

From Cookeville:

Vendor applications are now open for The Biz Foundry‘s sixth annual “Made Here Market.” Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on April 26 at the entrepreneur center’s 114 North Cedar Avenue location, the event showcases the Upper Cumberland region’s maker community.

---