Austin, Texas (August 23, 2017) – The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce today announced that Leigh F. Christie was named Senior Vice President of Global Technology and Innovation.

Christie will lead the development and execution of the organization’s vision for Central Texas as a top global region for innovation. This includes executing on Opportunity Austin programs and initiatives. Her legal background combined with a deep understanding of the business community, venture capital investment, and the significance of Austin startups provide a strong foundation to expand the Chamber’s role in growing innovation and global technology. Her experience will allow for strong collaboration with tech-centered coalitions like the Austin Technology Council, the Austin Tech Alliance and Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN).

“Leigh is a proven leader with a track record of fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in Austin, and we are excited to have her join the Chamber team,” said Mike Rollins, President, Greater Austin Chamber. “We look forward to her focus on growing bigger tech companies that have staying power and enabling the next Dell, National Instruments or HomeAway.”

Christie, who starts on Sept. 18, most recently served as Executive Director at the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas where she played key roles in the organization’s strategic objectives, metrics, and growth for over eight years. Additionally, she served as a director for youth programs at Capital Factory.

“Leigh Christie is a smart, motivated and talented leader. She has relationships with CEOs and their teams at high tech businesses and nonprofits throughout Central Texas. She’s an attorney, a litigator and a totally rocking mom; she can do anything. We’ll miss her at the Entrepreneurs Foundation and at Capital Factory,” said Eugene Sepulveda, CEO the Entrepreneurs Foundation and a director at Capital Factory.

Founder and Executive Director of the Capital Factory, Joshua Baer observed that, “Leigh is a no-nonsense, get things done and have a smile on your face the whole time kind of person. She's exactly the right one to collaborate with so many important stakeholders.”

“I’m thrilled to join this wonderful team and to continue working directly with the tech community,” said Christie. “With its deep talent base, the Austin region has so much to offer, and I look forward to enhancing the region’s well-earned reputation as the best place for business and tech startups as well as entrepreneurs, to name a few.”

Leigh has more than 15 years of experience in operations, management, development and recruiting. Prior to joining the Entrepreneurs Foundation in 2012, Leigh practiced law at Cozen O’Connor for four years in Seattle, WA, where she also volunteered her legal services with VAPWA (Volunteer Attorneys for People With AIDS) and served on the Hospice Seattle Board of Directors. After relocating to Austin, she held the Client Development and Recruiting Manager position at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. In 2009, Leigh redirected her energy and time to youth and entrepreneurship programming by taking on the Director position for Lemonade Day Austin, an entrepreneurial program for youth supported by the Entrepreneurs Foundation.

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About the Greater Austin Chamber
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:
Luke Sheffield, Public Relations Manager
Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5637
lsheffield@austinchamber.com