The SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, is proud to welcome Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), as a featured speaker at the 2025 SOAR Summit.

A longtime champion of rural America, Matt brings decades of experience building inclusive tech economy ecosystems that unlock new potential for small towns, and the people who call them home. His work is rooted in a clear belief that rural communities can lead in the innovation economy when they have the right tools, the right strategies, and the right investment.

At this year’s Summit, Matt will share a national perspective shaped by years of public service, philanthropy, and tech-sector leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create lasting, place-based prosperity.

About Matt

Matt Dunne is the founder of CORI, a national nonprofit advancing economic opportunity in rural communities by building inclusive tech ecosystems and supporting scalable entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, CORI has helped rural towns across America develop digital economy strategies that lead to real results, from job creation to new business formation.

Matt’s background is as impressive as it is mission-aligned. He has:

• Served 11 years in the Vermont House and Senate, where he helped pass groundbreaking legislation on broadband, downtown revitalization, and economic development
• Led the nation’s AmeriCorps*VISTA program, launching PowerUp, one of the earliest national initiatives to close the digital divide
• Directed Google’s Community Affairs division, leading philanthropic engagement across Google’s rural data center communities and launching initiatives like Google Fiber

He also grew a Vermont-based software company to over 100 employees and served as Associate Director at Dartmouth’s Rockefeller Center on Public Policy. A lifelong Vermonter, Matt lives on the same 100-acre farm where he was raised, and his work reflects the values of community, equity, and possibility.

Why He’s Coming to the SOAR Summit

Matt’s presence at the 2025 SOAR Summit is more than symbolic, it’s strategic. As Eastern Kentucky continues to expand its tech workforce, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem, Matt’s leadership offers a blueprint for what’s possible.

He’s not just coming to speak. He’s coming to connect with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and rural changemakers ready to build something bold.

At SOAR, we believe rural communities can, and must, shape their own economic futures. Matt Dunne is helping make that happen.

What You’ll Experience at SOAR Summit 2025

The SOAR Summit is a one-of-a-kind gathering that draws more than 1,200 leaders, doers, and believers from across the region and beyond. From economic development and entrepreneurship to health, education, and workforce, the Summit brings together the people and ideas driving real progress in rural America.

This year’s event promises a powerful lineup of immersive experiences, inspiring voices, and unforgettable moments, including:

• The EKY Experience (presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare),  Our hands-on, high-energy expo where innovation comes alive through interactive exhibits and regional showcases.
• SOAR Inspires Awards (Aug 27), presented by KCTCS – Celebrating the individuals and organizations rewriting the story of Eastern Kentucky.
• Taste of Corbin + A Toast to Corbin (Aug 28) – A high-spirited Summit Reception, presented by Whitaker Bank, sponsored by Corbin Tourism, and powered by Ale-8-One, spotlighting the flavors, culture, and community pride that make Corbin unforgettable.

Featured Keynotes from nationally recognized voices at Brookings, The Rockefeller Foundation, University of the Cumberlands, and more, offering insight, inspiration, and strategy for building what’s next.

Ticket Options 

With Early Bird pricing closed, attendees now have flexible options to join the Summit:

• All-Access Pass – $300
  Includes full programming, all Plenary Sessions, Taste of Corbin (Presented by Whitaker Bank), SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS), breakfast (August 28-29), and Lunch (August 28).
• 2-Day Programming Pass (Aug. 26–27) – $150
  Includes breakout sessions, EKY Experience, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare, and the SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS).
• 2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) — $200
  Includes Plenary Sessions, the Taste of Corbin reception (Presented by Whitaker Bank), breakfast (August 28-29), and lunch (August 28).

To register and learn more, visit: www.soar-ky.org/summit