Mark Blaze, President & CEO, Greater Nashville Technology Council
There is significant momentum in the Nashville region for financial technology according to Mark Blaze, president and CEO of the Greater Nashville Technology Council. “It’s a hot area in this community,” he told Invest:, while also emphasizing the importance of addressing related needs such as workforce development and fostering collaboration with educational institutions to support the expanding industry.
What aspects of your organization do you feel most compelled to amplify or evolve?
We need to leverage the supportive nature of our community. I went on a listening tour to understand what’s most important to our constituents. Our community wants the Council to support the advancement of our tech ecosystem because ultimately the entire community will benefit. We are in a technological revolution, and how Nashville responds to the challenges and opportunities will define its future.
Which sectors are seeing the most growth and how is the Council helping them advance?
Health tech has been the heartbeat of our region, but fintech, advanced manufacturing, and music tech are sectors on the rise. The Council serves many sectors through our workforce development programs, educational programming, and advocacy. We work closely with organizations to understand their needs, and develop our programming to best meet those needs. Our agility is a strength we leverage to meet ever changing needs of the business community.
What are your initiatives to provide education related to AI technologies?
We provide AI & Data track workshops. Our ELITE program, (Emerging Leaders in Tech), now has a focus on leadership in AI environments. Our ’25 Innovation Summit had AI specific tracks, and a lab to highlight innovation developed through AI. The Council is part of AWS’ Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance. We host Tech Impact’s ITWorks program, and the Adroit program at Tech Hill Commons. The Council supports the community and collaborates with local educational partners to support their AI initiatives. We also actively participate in events such as AI Week, and Hot Topics’ The Studio.
How do you personally view AI?
AI is a disruptive change agent. Disruption can have a positive impact, and I foresee so many positive outcomes originating from those that effectively embrace AI. Warren Buffett stated the only sustainable advantage over others is agility – we must swiftly accept change and adapt. I believe it is essential that AI be used to benefit society, and not used unethically for personal gain. I love the quote, “AI should serve humanity, not exploit it”.
What makes Nashville a great place for technology companies?
This is not a dog-eat-dog community. We want to grow together, knowing that a rising tide lifts all ships. Nashville has a collaborative spirit at its core. We have many amazing higher educational institutions developing top tech talent. Our state, and local government have clearly defined plans to promote tech growth. Our state has a long-term plan for sustainable energy. Our geographic location is a competitive advantage, and no state income tax doesn’t hurt!
How is the association helping businesses navigate any potential headwinds?
The Council strives to be a valued and trusted source of information, and support for our community. Our programming includes education to support talent development. Our peer groups provide a great support network. The Council works as an advocate for our membership by supporting policy that is favorable to the tech community.
What opportunities do you see for Nashville to distinguish itself as a national model for inclusive and collaborative tech-driven growth?
Intentionality is how Nashville ensures it is inclusive. Leveraging our collaborative DNA to be inclusive, and championing highly ethical human centered AI will bring national distinction. Public, and private investment into inclusive tech focused workforce development programs will also help. At the Council we are aware that zip codes don’t discriminate against talent, but they can discriminate with respect to opportunity so we intentionally work to provide opportunity to all zip codes. Honestly, I don’t believe Nashville yearns for national distinction, but prefers to be seen as a positive role model.
What are your top strategic priorities for the Council over the next couple of years?
Talent development. Talent retention. We intend to play a role in raising our region’s tech ecosystem for the benefit of our entire community. We plan on being the “it” IT region!
