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ATC Foundation Hires New Executive Director to Ignite STEM Achievements in Central TexasThe Austin Technology Council (ATC), the voice of over 1,600 technology executives, 280 companies and 60,000 employees in Central Texas, today announced Suzanne Kho as Executive Director of the ATC Foundation where she will lead STEM partnerships and programs, fundraising and community initiatives in Austin and the greater Central Texas region. As the Foundation's new Executive Director, Suzanne Kho will oversee the ATC Foundation's day-to-day operations and facilitate the continued success of Austin's highest performing STEM programs. Recent research from ATC shows that Austin needs to fill 2,500 to 3,500 core tech talent jobs per year through 2024 to meet projected demand. During the course of the study, ATC received requests from its tech leadership members to get involved by offering their skills and expertise to Austin youth, and providing insight to STEM programs on today's in-demand technical skills and how that will evolve. "The research speaks for itself: students have shown a genuine interest in math and the sciences, and our goal is to leverage the power of ATC's membership to support and add to existing STEM initiatives," said Kho. "As Executive Director of the ATC Foundation, I look forward to leading this passionate team striving to educate and empower the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in the tech workforce." Suzanne Kho has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She was most recently Executive Director of EarthShare of Texas, a federation of 39 environmental and conservation organizations from around the state.She has also held leadership positions at Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the Pew (News - Alert) Charitable Trusts and the University of Pennsylvania. She holds an MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania and an AB from Vassar College. "With her extensive background in the nonprofit sector, Suzanne knows what it takes to rally a community of supporters around some of the most significant issues we face today," said Julie Huls, President of the Austin Technology Council. "We're facing a tech talent shortage in Austin, and with the addition of Suzanne to the team, we are confident that the ATC Foundation will take a critical step towards igniting the spark to inspire Austin youth to pursue STEM careers." The Austin Technology Council Foundation was founded in 2011, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of igniting STEM achievements for Central Texas youth and growing the next generation of technically skilled workers. About Austin Technology Council The Austin Technology Council (ATC) is the voice of Central Texas' diverse and thriving technology and life sciences industries, representing 280 companies and over 60,000 employees. The Austin technology sector contributes $22.3 billion annually to the regional economy and supports more than one third of local jobs. By convening Austin's top technology executives, ATC is leading the effort to meet the future needs of the industry through increased access to capital, new and diverse technical talent in the region, mentorship for emerging companies, and connectivity across the industry and with key stakeholders in Texas and around the world.
Connect with us: About the Austin Technology Council Foundation Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the ATC Foundation ignites STEM achievements in Central Texas by pairing companies and technology professionals with students in the local educational community. The Austin Technology Council Foundation aims to inspire students to pursue education in STEM, to grow a technically skilled workforce for the future - and subsequently - the Central Texas tech economy. For more information on the ATC Foundation, visit www.AustinTechFoundation.org.
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