Katie Bosarge loves South Huntsville. A lot.
So when the public relations professional learned about an opening for a new executive director at the South Huntsville Main Business Association (SHMBA), she didn’t hesitate to apply.
“I am from South Huntsville and the idea of being a part of the incredible growth and renewal of the area sounded amazing,” Bosarge said. “I thought this would be a great way to be a part of an important time in my hometown and help local businesses thrive.”
Replacing former SHMBA leader Bekah Schmidt, Bosarge is tasked with supporting, promoting and advocating for all businesses in South Huntsville. SHMBA, a nonprofit advocacy organization formed in 2015, develops and maintains a healthy, thriving business climate by supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones.
Background
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Bosarge has more than 10 years of experience in public relations and marketing, having most recently served as the public relations and communications manager at Davidson Technologies, Inc.
Bosarge is very active in the community. As a member of the National Cyber Summit Planning Committee, North Alabama Society of Human Resource Management and Public Relations Council of North Alabama, she has volunteered with the American Heart Association and Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Katie is also a recent graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Flagship Class 34.
“I have spent many years volunteering with nonprofits and working with the community to help grow awareness and involvement,” she said. “In working in my various roles, I have developed relationships and connections that have benefited the organizations I support. PR and marketing are all about telling your story to different audiences so that they want to be a part of that story.”
When she’s not working, volunteering or spending time with her son, Michael, Katie loves to play tennis, hike and spend time outdoors. Katie is also a member of Team Rocket Tri Club and the Huntsville Track Club, where she volunteers and participates in triathlons and other races.
As Huntsville grows to become Alabama’s largest city, the South Huntsville district will also grow to provide a plethora of opportunities for businesses and citizens looking for that ‘hometown’ feeling in a big city.
Goals
As Bosarge settles into her new full-time role, she plans to learn about all the businesses of South Huntsville and how she can help them succeed.
“I need to fully understand where they are and what their goals are for the future,” she said. “This will take some time, as there are numerous businesses in a wide range of industries in the South Huntsville district.”
In terms of her goals, Bosarge will develop and execute plans to improve quality of life for South Huntsville residents and continue exponential growth in the area.
A self-described “ultimate people person,” Bosarge is eager to meet business owners, residents and volunteers in South Huntsville.
“I am looking forward to all the projects and events that I will help orchestrate that will bring happiness and pride to the South Huntsville district,” she said.
Cooperation
Recognizing the value of public-private partnerships, Bosarge will work closely with elected officials to continue moving the district in a positive direction.
“As Huntsville grows to become Alabama’s largest city, the South Huntsville district will also grow to provide a plethora of opportunities for businesses and citizens looking for that ‘hometown’ feeling in a big city,” she said.
Huntsville City Council President Jennie Robinson, who represents South Huntsville, is excited to see what Bosarge can do.
“Katie is a longtime resident of South Huntsville and she brings a wealth of experience from her career at Davidson Technologies,” she said. “Bekah Schmidt and the SHMBA have built a great foundation for Katie, and I look forward to working with her to continue the effort to revitalize the South Parkway.”