Kathie Shields is a self-described people person. During her career, Shields’ ability to make connections and foster strong relationships with others has helped her to make an impact within three very different organizations.

For the past five years, Shields has put those skills to work for the Tech Collective, a trade association for the high-tech industry in Rhode Island. After spending her first year as a part-time membership salesperson – during which she increased sales by 12 percent – Shields was made the organization’s interim executive director in 2005, and after a strong year she was given the position on a permanent basis.