Executive Director Emerita and Director
Ms. Weiss joined BTI in 2001 as the organization’s first executive director and retired in 2018 after 17 and a half years. During her tenure, BTI received national attention as a successful, tuition-free industry/skills training institute and was also recognized on the White House website. During this time Ms. Weiss oversaw many organizational milestones including: two BTI relocations to ever-larger facilities, increased class sizes to accommodate the expansion of the life sciences industry, the addition of professional resources and staff to support BTI’s students, and increased organizational revenue through strengthened fundraising and critical partnerships. In 2015 Kathleen was recognized as one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” by The Daily Record.
Beyond these organizational and professional achievements, however, Ms. Weiss is most proud of the success of hundreds of BTI graduates who have launched careers and improved the future for themselves and their families.
Ms. Weiss received preparation for BTI, the capstone of her career, through a succession of paid and volunteer leadership positions in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations throughout greater Baltimore. A graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, Ms. Weiss has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and did postgraduate work at Johns Hopkins. A life-long Baltimore City resident, she and her husband are fortunate to have their two daughters and their families, including three grandchildren, nearby.