With New Hire, Chamber Aims to Expand Innovation in Dallas Region

The Dallas region is already a magnet for some of the most innovative and high-tech companies, from the self-driving shuttle in Arlington to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield C1 Innovation Lab in Dallas’ Historic West End.

Not to mention Toyota North America’s headquarters in Plano, where the world’s largest automaker is using data and software to build applications and tools that support the core of its North American business.

Building upon that momentum, the Dallas Regional Chamber has hired Natalie Fletcher, who, as director of innovation, will connect entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators to the business community at large.

Previously, Fletcher worked as a partnership coordinator in the downtown Dallas office of Tech Wildcatters, where she helped startup founders connect with the information, experience, and capital they need to enter the market.

“We are thrilled to add Natalie to our team,” said Duane Dankesreiter, DRC senior vice president of research and innovation. “The Chamber is thinking bigger and bolder in terms of what we can do to help grow innovation in the Dallas region, from startups to corporate innovation and everything in-between. Natalie is the perfect person to help us execute on those ideas.”

“The Chamber is thinking bigger and bolder in terms of what we can do to help grow innovation in the Dallas region, from startups to corporate innovation and everything in-between.”

Duane Dankesreiter

Fletcher has worked in business and sales development since graduating from Baylor University in 2014.

Dankesreiter said Fletcher will play a key role in connecting the Dallas area’s growing number of high-tech companies, venture capital investors, universities, and its diverse mix of corporate headquarters, which are steadily working to connect with customers through technology.

Fletcher said her goal is that one day, the Dallas region will become a primary U.S. destination for tech companies and innovation operations.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to support the launch and growth of innovation in the Dallas region,” she said. “There are already so many fantastic things happening and I look forward to engaging with everyone in the community and finding new ways to strengthen the North Texas economy.”