Jessica Roberto

In her role as knowledge economy lead, Jessica Roberto spearheads industry development strategy and planning for the global health, life sciences and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. Jessica connects communities and businesses with like-minded partners from across the state to increase access to resources that strengthens Washington state’s position as both a national and global leader in these industries. Prior to Commerce, Jessica worked at the University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business, focused on program support for student entreprenuers, including the annual Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge, and held a variety of roles within the Seattle-area life sciences startup ecosystem, including venture capital groups, consulting organizations and innovation-focused nonprofits. She holds a PhD in Pathobiology from the University of Washington, where she studied the innate immune response to viral infections of the liver.