Launch Tennessee adds, promotes key team members

Nashville - Launch Tennessee made several hires and two promotions to support its vision of making the Volunteer State synonymous with high-growth startups.

"Having the right team in place really makes a difference in how an organization operates," LaunchTN CEO Lindsey Cox said. "I'm proud of the group we're building. As a relatively small team, we punch above our weight because of our work ethic, positive company culture, appetite for innovation, and visible impact we have on the state."

New hires

Spencer Bowers joined LaunchTN as the Associate Director of Development. In the new role, Bowers leads individual giving initiatives, strengthens partnerships, and drives mission-aligned growth. Prior to joining LaunchTN, he built experience in development, nonprofit management, and stakeholder relations, successfully executing campaigns and securing key funding to support organizational missions. He reports to Vice President of Development Emily Masters. Connect with him here.

Donna Ford is the new Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium Operations Coordinator. In this role, she supports the commercialization team with program implementation, data management, compliance, and internal process improvement. Ford joins LaunchTN following her retirement from the University of Tennessee after 14 years - the last nine of which were with the Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development. She reports to Technology Advancement Director Charles Layne. Connect with her here.

Reed Hooks joined the team as a Capital Associate. He plays an integral role in the continued deployment of the InvestTN Fund, performing due diligence and managing the growing pipeline of early-stage startups. Prior to joining LaunchTN, Hooks worked in partnership development at a defense consulting firm. He reports to Chief Investment Officer Eller Kelliher. Connect with him here.

Mariel Liggin is Assistant Director of Technology and Research Development. In this new position, Liggin plays a critical role in advancing early-stage tech development by supporting innovators and companies in securing non-dilutive federal research and development funding, and navigating commercialization pathways. She joins Launch Tennessee from Louisiana State University's Technology Transfer Office, and reports to Technology Advancement Director Charles Layne. Connect with her here.

Jenn Ross joined the team as Senior Manager of Event Planning and Activation. In this role, she oversees all facets of live event production for the evolving and expanding lineup of in-person programs, conferences, and activations, including 3686 and Tennessee House at SXSW. She joins the team from the Centennial Park Conservancy, and reports to Vice President of Marketing Rory Levine. Connect with her here.

Recent promotions

Ashlin Smith moved up to Network and Talent Programs Director to lead talent initiatives, such as the successful LaunchTN Summer Intern Program. She also oversees Network Partners, which include regional entrepreneur centers and industry-specific organizations.

Jay Teamer moved from a summer fellowship position to the role of Capital Associate. In the new role, he performs due diligence and helps manage the growing pipeline of early-stage startups in the InvestTN portfolio.

A full list of Launch Tennessee's staff can be found here.

About Launch Tennessee

As Tennessee's hub for startups and innovation, Launch Tennessee's mission is to empower innovators across Tennessee by providing capital, commercialization and connections.

As a public-private partnership, we are uniquely positioned to provide direct investment, while also supporting collaboration among founders, investors, researchers, the private sector and government.

Contact:
LaunchTN Communications Director, Chloé Morrison, [email protected].