UpSurge Baltimore, the preeminent ecosystem builder for Baltimore tech, announced today Kory Bailey, former Chief Ecosystem and Relationship Officer, is its new CEO.
UpSurge is a connector and mobilizer of the various assets, resources, and stakeholders of the Baltimore tech region. Their vision is to position Baltimore as the first Equitech city in the world; a thriving, innovative, tech hub bolstered by world-class assets and talent, anchored by diverse leadership, equitable systems and practices, and a culture of belonging in tech.
As Chief Ecosystem and Relationship Officer at UpSurge, Bailey led UpSurge’s frontline engagement with key stakeholders, building network capital and mobilizing the tech ecosystem around catalytic opportunities for Baltimore and the equitable economic growth of the state.
A Transition Committee of the UpSurge Board of Directors made recommendations on the hiring process, reviewed the responsibilities, and considered internal and external candidates for the role. What they found in Bailey was someone with a proven track record of success, a commitment to driving progress, and a willingness to bring fresh ideas to the table.
“Baltimore’s biggest advocate for equitable economic opportunity and growth is Kory Bailey,” said Mike Hankin, Chairman of the UpSurge Board. “He listens to understand and works skillfully with founders, investors, and key business and government leaders to bring them to the table and into alignment, all for the benefit of Baltimore tech. This is certainly his passion, and we are grateful to have him as the next leader of UpSurge.”
Baltimore has the world-class assets and diverse talent to become one of the nation’s leading hubs for tech entrepreneurship and innovation, positioning the city to unlock massive economic potential: high-quality jobs that provide pathways to prosperity, ownership that leads to wealth creation, and neighborhood redevelopment with and for the residents that live there.
The Equitech vision, becoming the first truly inclusive tech city that unlocks equitable economic potential and creates a culture of welcome and belonging in tech, is a lofty aspiration and has yet to be accomplished. As UpSurge’s first Black CEO, Bailey is keenly aware of the challenge and is up to the task.
“As CEO of UpSurge, I am determined to continue encouraging key stakeholders in our community to listen thoughtfully, partner willingly, collaborate effectively and think differently about the tech economy for Baltimore, one that elevates and leverages a diverse set of leaders and voices and one that ignites equitable economic growth for the city, region and state. That’s Equitech culture and how Baltimore can lead and create a model for the world,” said Bailey.
Bailey’s drive to connect the disparate parts of the tech ecosystem led to the creation of Equitech Tuesday, a weekly meetup for all members of the Baltimore tech community, now considered by many to be the front door to Baltimore tech. His insights resulted in the launch of the Baltimore Tech Connect portal developed by EcoMap in partnership with local tech leader Fearless, and UpRise, an ecosystem offering that provides early-stage founders access to mentors, advisors and resources from partnering investors and entrepreneur support organizations with the goal of advancing their companies.
Bailey’s ability to bring key stakeholders to the table and influence alignment could be felt throughout the EDA Tech Hubs process, quarterbacked by the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), which resulted in Baltimore’s successful Phase 1 submission and designation as a Tech Hub.
Bailey added, “We find ourselves at a time in Maryland’s history where creating a thriving innovation economy and an equitable one is not only possible, it’s happening.”
As UpSurge’s second employee, Bailey will now serve as its second CEO following Jamie McDonald, who announced her intention to step down in September.
“I could not be more optimistic about UpSurge’s future,” said McDonald. “The selection of Kory as our new CEO is exciting for UpSurge, for Baltimore and for the entire tech community. I’ve been proud to work side-by-side with Kory. He is a visionary leader and community builder who has played a key role in shaping UpSurge’s outsized impact over the past nearly three years. I know he will guide UpSurge and Baltimore tech toward our goal of becoming a top-tier tech city and the first Equitech city.”
