ChaTech Announces New Hires + Program Changes for 2022

Walton Robinson Named New Executive Director, ​Jen LaRose Leading Marketing and Outreach

The board of directors of ChaTech (formerly known as the Chattanooga Technology Council) are pleased to announce two key hires as the organization moves into a new era in 2022. After an exhaustive search the board has appointed Walton Robinson as the new Executive Director of ChaTech. The organization has also added Jen LaRose as the Marketing and Community Coordinator.

“We are excited to welcome Walton and Jen to the ChaTech team,” said Daniela LaCelle, AVP of IT Delivery at Unum, and Chair of the ChaTech Board of Directors. “As the organization enters its next phase–one where we meet the pressing economic challenges, strive to increase diversity in the tech workforce, and strengthen the collaboration across the entire tech community–I am confident that we have the right team in place to move ChaTech forward.” 

Walton Robinson, a Chattanooga native, brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, communications, and organizational development to the role of Executive Director. Jen LaRose, a Northwest Georgia native, steps into the newly created Marketing and Community Coordinator position with over a decade of experience in marketing, events, social media, and community engagement.

"ChaTech has played a pivotal role in the growth of Chattanooga’s technology community over the last two decades

Our members represent every size and sector and have become leaders not only locally, but globally as well. Said Walton Robinson. “This year we will bring new a pivotal year for ChaTech and its members. 

We plan to bring new energy to our mission and by building the network assets our technology community needs to grow and thrive in the years to come. This year ChaTech will focus on creating new connections, fostering new relationships, and driving the local tech community toward greater collaboration. Combining the best talent with the best ideas is our goal in 2022”, says Walton Robinson, ChaTech Executive Director. 

More new things are coming to ChaTech in 2022 as well. We are currently restructuring our membership to better serve our members and community. We have more in-person events planned and lots of exciting ideas from our Board and Community we are implementing this year.