StartingBlock Madison hired Nora Roughen-Schmidt as its next Executive Director, the organization announced today.

Prior to StartingBlock, Roughen-Schmidt was the Executive Director of the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce – Main Street, for which she was responsible for creating a business climate for entrepreneurs and startups while promoting the “Driftless lifestyle.”

“Nora is a sophisticated strategist with a track record of execution and success,” StartingBlock Madison Board Chair Forrest Woolworth said in a statement. “Her work has earned her praise locally, regionally and nationally.”

According to a release, she is a member of the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment, was named a Rising Star of the Coulee Region and has assisted approximately 20 communities in launching economic development efforts.

Roughen-Schmidt, who emerged from a pool of more than 60 candidates, will start her position on July 13. She replaces Chandra Miller Fienen, who announced her resignation in March.