Verge appoints Erin Burcham as new president

VERGE announced the hiring of Erin Burcham as the new president of Verge, the regional technology alliance that includes subsidiaries the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, the Valleys Innovation Council and RAMP, the region’s accelerator program. Burcham will assume her new role as President effective January 1, 2022.

“What’s happening in the tech industry in our Virginia area is really exciting,” said outgoing CEO Greg Feldmann. “The opportunity to be a major technology hub, building on the healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, software and autonomous systems clusters already present in the region, is abundant. Erin’s experience and connections in the region will help Verge make an even greater impact on the growth of our innovation economy.

Verge Board Co-Chairs Marty Muscatello and Ken Ferris agreed. “The Verge Board of Directors is extremely pleased that Erin will become President of Verge. Her demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to the success of the region make her the ideal person to lead the Verge Alliance. We have a tremendous opportunity in our region to be a major technology hub and home for tech start-ups with the continued support of the business, government and academic communities here. “

Burcham, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, received her Master of Science in Leadership Studies from Virginia Tech. She was Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council before being appointed President of Verge. She has also held leadership roles at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, where she was Director of Talent Solutions, and at Virginia Tech, where she was Marketing and Programs Coordinator for Virginia Tech in the Roanoke area.

“It is an honor to be chosen as president of Verge. I am passionate about the growth of our ecosystem and our regional economy in terms of technology and biotechnology. I have seen firsthand the opportunity for growth in our region as Executive Director of Roanoke – Blacksburg Technology Council and look forward to being part of a strong regional leadership team that drives it forward.