Spirit of Innovation Keynoter Leslie Miley Grows Tech Communities


(Aug. 31, 2017) – The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce announces Leslie Miley as the keynote speaker for this year’s Spirit of Innovation event, the culmination of Startup Week, a series of seminars and celebrations for entrepreneurs.

Miley, a Silicon Valley native, has worked in engineering leadership roles at Slack, Twitter, Apple and Google. The closing event takes place Oct. 20.

Miley works with Venture for America to enable Silicon Valley tech professionals to spend a year in cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans or Philadelphia, working with venture capitalists and innovation centers or districts on growing their respective tech communities.

“Leslie Miley has led technology development teams at some of the world’s most innovative companies and is now helping build entrepreneurial communities around the country, focusing on hubs outside of the coasts,” said Charlie Brock, CEO, Launch Tennessee. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Chattanooga to celebrate Startup Week and honor some of the region’s leading innovators.”

Miley began his technology career disassembling cable TV set top boxes, moved on to building his own computers and also taught himself programming languages.

“Leslie Miley brings a message that lands at the nexus of technology and inclusion,” said Sandra Brewer, Vice President, Member-Investor Services, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited that our entrepreneurs and business leaders will have the opportunity to hear that message and act on it in Chattanooga.”

“This year we joined forces with Startup Week promoters to increase our outreach and include as many young, new companies as possible,” Brewer said. “This event provides the perfect opportunity for leaders of new firms to connect with established companies.”

More information about Spirit of Innovation, Miley and Startup Week here.

Register for the Spirit of Innovation event here.

Other Topics

In 2019, Finland-based tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres opened its first North American Plant in Rhea County, thanks in part to the influence of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership (GCEP). Wes Boling, Senior Manager of Communications, Nokian Tyres, explains that the…

Chamber Chatt is a video series offering community members the chance to hear from elected officials and those in public service.  This month’s Chamber Chatt was recorded live inside the Chattanooga Chamber’s Connection Conference Center, Powered by EPB.  Matt Phillips,…

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce announced the promotion of Yolonda Hayslett, MBA, SHRM-CP, to Vice President, Finance and Operations. She will continue to be responsible for leading and managing a team that handles member-investor services initiatives, accounting, finance, human…

As the sun sets on another Protégé Chattanooga session, a bright future emerges for Chattanooga's young leaders. Over a nine-month period, Protégé Chattanooga participants connected with their peers and area business and community leaders to develop their business and civic-engagement…

In the ever-evolving professional landscape of today, the significance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace has surged to the forefront of discussions surrounding the creation and promotion of a healthy workplace environment. Acknowledging mental health is an important aspect…

Chattanooga Zoo, BNI Southeast Tennessee, (Be) Caffeinated, and Master Machine Inc., were recognized for growth and overall performance as they received top honors at the 2023 Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Awards program, presented by Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C.…

Sign up for weekly updates.