Meet The Team

Dr. Paul Robinson is dedicated to expediting the development of innovative technologies in the resilience sector. Funded at $10M, RISE grows resilience-related businesses in the coastal Virginia region and assists in access to the worldwide market for their technologies.

Dr. Robinson is the founder and CEO of AeroTech Research, a company specializing in weather hazard detection for aircraft. He is also Senior Advisor to Focus Investment Bank in the areas of government, aerospace and defense. He is also a member of a local angel investment groups 757 Angels and Abundance 360, and works with several startups in technical and managerial roles.

Dr. Katerina Oskarsson works as a consultant to NATO and as the Adjunct Assistant Professor at Old Dominion University. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Norfolk where she worked on the development and implementation of the City’s Resilience Strategy as part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative, and a winning proposal of $120 million from the HUD’s National Disaster Resilience Competition. Her work has been published by the Stanford University Press, NATO, and a range of policy and academic journals. Dr. Oskarsson earned B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from Old Dominion University.

As Deputy Executive Director, Betsy provides strategic leadership across finance, operations, communications, and program implementation to support RISE’s long-term sustainability. With more than 20 years of cross-sector experience in higher education, financial services, and healthcare, she brings a thoughtful, systems-minded approach to streamlining processes and driving impact. She has played a key role in launching RISE’s Innovation Challenges and strengthening the organization’s brand, stakeholder and partnership engagement, and internal operations.

Outside of her role at RISE, Betsy is a published writer whose personal essays have appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, and USA Today.

Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University’s Honors College

As the Communications & Operations Manager, Katie combines experience in sales, marketing, event planning, and project management to drive success. With a focus on alumni company engagement, marketing and communications, and operational efficiencies, she plays a key role in RISE’s external communications and internal work flows.  

Before joining the team, Katie managed sales and marketing teams and worked extensively as an event planner. She is passionate about working with youth from disadvantaged communities to build pathways to success via training programs. Katie believes in the power of relationships to drive business development and change communities for the better. 

Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Old Dominion University and is a proud Lady Monarch. 

As the Financial Administrative Assistant, Tobie plays a pivotal role in supporting financial administration, compliance, and project execution for RISE. He leverages his expertise in financial administration and operational support to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. Tobie is passionate about optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and achieve operational excellence.

Tobie brings more than 12 years of experience in financial administration and operational support, with roles at LISC Hampton Roads and the United States Army Reserve. At LISC Hampton Roads, he managed a $2 million grant portfolio, prepared financial reports, ensured compliance with HUD and DHCD regulations, and oversaw budgeting for multiple funding streams. His military background includes strategic workforce planning, personnel management, and distinguished service.

Tobie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Mississippi State University.