Chairman and CEO Richard A. Oden has been tapped to participate as a panelist in a first-ever summit focused on diversity inclusion in tech innovation that Clark Atlanta University is hosting.

The CAU Economic Inclusion and Competitiveness Summit 2016 in Atlanta from April 22-23 is expected to attract 300-500 participants, including investors, local, regional and national leaders,  university and high school students and community members, according to event organizers.

The two-day event will involve a town hall, panel discussions and breakout sessions that Friday focused on solutions that empower underrepresented populations to compete in the 21st century tech-innovation economy. On that Saturday, activities include an interactive hackathon for college and high school students and a pitch competition with student-led ventures. Registration is free.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) selected Oden, along with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, to represent the organization at the summit.

Oden is a member of ARC’s Executive Committee, which is comprised of 10 metro Atlanta counties and 68 cities. Also, he is the 2016 Chairman of ARC’s Community Resource Committee (CRC) leading the charge on water, energy, housing, land use, government services and natural resources issues. Since 2012, he has led the ARC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Steering and Work Teams comprised of chambers of commerce, the business and academic community and other key individuals. Their work resulted in a unified regional economic development strategy.

“I’m excited to be a part of this summit and not only proudly represent ARC, but the deserving citizens, businesses and students of Rockdale County,” Oden said. “Conversations such as the ones likely to be held during this gathering are what plant the seeds today for innovative and impactful actions tomorrow.”

To learn more about the summit, visit http://www.cau.edu/ or contact Rita Hardy at [email protected]

To learn more about ARC, visit www.atlantaregional.com.