TechRochester with Susan Kavanagh

Listen/Watch Episode 123

In the latest terrific episode of That Sounds Terrific in the (585) Nick and Christine sit down with Susan Kavanagh, president of TechRochester, a nonprofit group that brings technology professionals together in the Rochester area. TechRochester supports “professional growth on an individual level, in the hopes that together we can encourage the growth of technology within the Rochester region.”

Kavanagh's career journey began when she took a job as a legal assistant in a law firm. But soon paper filing and record keeping was no longer the go-to system of organization as the digital world took center stage in all aspects of the business world. The shift to digital data in the legal profession required a change in how information was handled and reviewed, and she took on the task of addressing these challenges in the law office. She soon realized the wider need for education regarding digital data across different industries. Today Kavanaugh is the senior director of client experiences at KLD Discovery providing, according to the website, “technology-enabled services and software to help law firms, corporations, government agencies, and consumers solve complex data challenges.”

As leader of TechRochester, Kavanagh helps many in the region connect thus creating community and professional development opportunities. The organization is tackling head-on the challenges of an ever-evolving landscape of technology and keeps members engaged and informed through an active presence on LinkedIn and monthly newsletters. TechRochester also focuses on workforce development, serving underserved communities, and providing opportunities for learning about emerging technologies such as AI. The organization also sponsors the Technology Woman of the Year awards which celebrates women in the technology field. This year marks the nonprofit’s twenty-fifth year, and the group is planning celebratory events including the “Made in ROC” speaker series and other talks, discussions, and networking programs.

In this episode Kavanagh shares her personal journey with TechRochester. She started as an attendee and went to networking and other events before gradually becoming more involved. She even met her husband at a TechRochester event several years ago. She then took a break to focus on her family before rejoining the board in 2018. Kavanagh's term as president of TechRochester will end in September 2025, after which she will take on a board advisor position.