TechTown is expected to open by summer 2015 in the Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. An artist's rendering shows the planned entry to the youth-focused technology and entrepreneurial learning center.
Cordell Carter IICordell Carter II, former chief of staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been named CEO of TechTown Global, where he will oversee efforts to grow the technology and entrepreneurial learning center nationwide.
"The combined leadership experience in both technology and education that Cordell brings to the team is incredible," said Paul Cummings, co-founder of TechTown Chattanooga. "Cordell shares our vision to bring innovative learning to communities across the country."
The center recently announced its headquarters and learning facility would be located at 325 Market St. in downtown Chattanooga. With Carter at the center's helm, the group plans to expand its footprint in the next 18 months. Possible locations include Seattle, where Carter is located, Norfolk, New Orleans, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Carter explained that he had involvement in many different science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs that all aimed to impact learning. None of them, however, had the potential to change the lives of learners, of all ages, and the communities in which they reside, like TechTown.