The
Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) recently added three new members to its staff, with the positions reflecting a new strategic plan for the organization.
MHTA is dedicated to making Minnesota one of the country's top five technology states within the next decade, notes President and CEO Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and by boosting skills in certain areas, the group will be able to move forward on that vision.
Tim Barrett joins as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Coordinator, a role that will be instrumental in meeting ambitious goals for more STEM education and outreach in the state.
The organization's previous coordinator left to go to law school, Kelliher says. With Barrett stepping into the role, the MHTA has had a chance to reformulate its position so that it focuses more strongly on STEM connections between business and education sectors.
"This is about being the voice of businesses that are engaged in science and innovation, and making that vital connection to classrooms," says Kelliher. "We want to strengthen that, and create a science and technology ecosystem that's truly dynamic."
Another position was made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Science & Technology Authority: a "SciTechsperience Program Coordinator," who will manage a paid internship program for college students pursuing STEM degrees. Becky Siekmeier, who worked in advertising and marketing at Best Buy for 16 years, will take on the role.
A third new hire, Erika McCallum, will act as the organization's Programs and Events Assistant. The three positions are aimed at increasing MHTA's effectiveness and reach, and Kelliher is excited about the direction that the group is taking.
"There are so many opportunities around science and technology here, there's so much innovation," she says. "We're happy to be fostering the connections needed to make Minnesota one of the top technology states."
Source: Margaret Anderson Kelliher, MHTA
Writer: Elizabeth Millard