Kara Lowe taking KC Tech Council helm as longtime CEO Ryan Weber departs

The KC Tech Council will soon welcome a familiar face as its new leader, the organization announced Tuesday.

Kara Lowe, the council’s longtime COO, will succeed Ryan Weber as CEO next month — putting her commitment to Kansas City’s tech sector on full display and allowing her contributions to the regions tech ecosystem to further shape its direction. 

“I’m thrilled to lead an organization that is so meaningful to one of Kansas City’s most critical industries,” Lowe said in a release. 

Click here to connect with Lowe on LinkedIn.

“Ryan has been a terrific leader and champion of Kansas City’s tech industry and I’m thankful for his support as I step into my new role. The future of our tech industry has never been brighter, and together with our membership, we’re excited to tell that story.”

Ryan Weber, KC Tech Council

The council said Weber will step away from the role he originated upon the council’s founding in 2012. Lowe is expected to assume the position May 27. 

“It has been my pleasure to have led the KC Tech Council for the last decade and now it’s my honor to leave the organization in capable hands with a leader who continues to show the dedication necessary to support the future of the organization,” Weber said.

“Together we have witnessed and celebrated incredible industry and organizational growth, and I am confident Kara will experience the same support from community and business leaders that I have.”

Lowe steps into the role at a critical time of growth for the council. The organization launched its Apprenti Tech Apprenticeship Program last year. The initiative — a local offshoot of a national effort that intends to fill 4,000 local tech jobs with skilled workers — was recently awarded a $550,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. 

Click here to learn more about the Apprenti program and its leader, Erin Christensen. 

The council’s commitment to policy advocacy work and community building is expected to also hold strong under the leadership of Lowe, added Karen Hornig, board chairperson and CEO of NIPR. 

“During her time as COO of the KC Tech Council, Kara has demonstrated the necessary experience, leadership and vision to lead the organization to a new level,” Hornig said. 

“On behalf of the KC Tech Council board of directors, we are thankful for Ryan’s service, and thrilled to announce Kara as the next CEO of the KC Tech Council.”

This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.

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