Jumpstart Ventures

Danielle Morris is Controller at JumpStart Inc., where she manages revenue and compliance operations. She brings experience in financial information systems, internal controls, grants management, and audit and regulatory compliance, primarily in non-profit settings focused on academic and entrepreneurial services. Her background includes payroll processing, change management, and training and development functions.

Joshua Borstein is an Investment Principal at JumpStart Ventures. He has professional experience in equity research and venture capital.

Alexis Watkins is a Marketing Project Coordinator at JumpStart Inc., where she supports the marketing team and coordinates the Operational Support Services program. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in May 2024 with a degree in communication studies. During her studies, she served on the executive board of the Delta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi, worked as art director for the student newspaper The Exponent, and held a marketing associate role at MARQUEE Creatives.

Alison (Ali) King is Director of the Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program at JumpStart Ventures, working within its Tech Services line of business. She previously served as Director of Partnerships and Career Strategy at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Director of Marketing and Business Development at the Curtis Institute of Music, a UX researcher at Comcast NBCUniversal, and founder of the stationery company Groundswell Greetings. She holds a BA in anthropology from Haverford College and an MBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business.

Camille Heard is Director of High Growth Services at JumpStart Ventures, working within its Tech Services line of business. She founded FELOH, taking the company from idea through market validation and product development, and previously worked with healthcare lobbyists on legislative and regulatory initiatives. She holds a BA in medical anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and an MSPH in health policy and management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also supports organizations focused on founders of color in Cleveland's Black and Hispanic startup community.

Carly Webster is an Accounts Payable Specialist at JumpStart Inc. and the founder of the Disabled Music Fans Collective, a nonprofit focused on representation for disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, and marginalized music fans. She became active in the music community in 2016, organizing online and in-person fan projects, and has since pursued the field through employment, internships, volunteering, and mentorship programs. Her work centers on nonprofit operations, event production, and accessibility in the arts and entertainment industry.

Dan Brown is Chief Services Officer at JumpStart, where he oversees the organization's services strategy to support founders and small business owners in Ohio. He joined JumpStart in 2023 as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and later served as Director of Entrepreneurial Services, leading the organization's expansion into Stark County. Before JumpStart, he co-founded Rust Belt Riders and Tilth Soil, worker-owned social enterprises in Cleveland focused on food waste upcycling, and holds a degree in Ethics and Community Service Studies from DePaul University.

Drew Nanda works as a Data Analyst at Jumpstart Inc. Nanda holds a Master's degree in Sports Analytics and a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Miami University.

Feowyn MacKinnon is Senior Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at JumpStart Inc., where she leads cross-functional projects related to entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic growth, including the organization's AI strategy and technology tools for small businesses. She previously directed curriculum and education strategy for JumpStart's Learning Centers and served as Principal of MC2STEM High School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Fordham University, teaches at Cleveland State University, and advises edtech founders.

Freddie Coffey is Senior Director of Marketing at JumpStart, where he develops marketing strategies and narratives to support entrepreneurs and the innovation economy. He founded BrewBoat Cleveland, a pedal-powered party boat business on the Cuyahoga River, in 2016 and exited in 2021. His earlier career includes leading digital communications for Positively Cleveland and serving as founding Managing Producer for Metromix.com; he holds a BA in Mass Media Communications and Media Production from The University of Akron.

Haley Burk is Director of Network Management at JumpStart, where she leads efforts to connect collegiate talent with tech startups through internship opportunities. She previously served on JumpStart's Advancement team as Senior Project and Operations Manager, coordinating cross-department fundraising and supporting systems updates, and earlier worked in fundraising, program management, and operations roles at Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, Mercy Economic Development International Corporation, and the Barberton Community Development Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International and Comparative Politics from the University of Akron.

Jennifer Palla is an Executive Administrator at JumpStart Inc. Her experience includes executive support, non-profit board management, office operations, and travel planning, along with the use of Microsoft tools.

John Grace is the Chief Administrative Officer at JumpStart, where he oversees administrative functions, operations, technology, human resources, legal and compliance, facilities, and strategic initiatives. Before JumpStart, he held human resources roles at companies including Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Swensons Drive-In Restaurants, and Target Stores, and founded his own HR consulting firm. He holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Tiffin University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Business Administration.

Justin McKeal serves as IT Systems Coordinator at JumpStart Inc. He is a student at Kent State University majoring in Computer Engineering and Biology with a concentration in Pre-Medicine. McKeal was a four-year member, captain, and signed athlete of the Kent State Varsity Hearthstone Esports team and a former NCAA Division 1 athlete.

Kaleigh Gallagher leads strategy at JumpStart to attract and support entrepreneurs building venture-backed companies in Northern Ohio, managing partnerships that connect tech founders to services, capital, and networks. She previously worked as a tech founder, a corporate innovations and ventures operator, and a consultant to startups, venture funds, and innovation organizations, including bringing technologies to market at Cleveland Clinic Innovations and co-founding Flutter Social. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University, with a major in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Karim Botros is Senior Vice President at First Trust Capital Partners. He has experience in private equity and healthcare, with expertise in corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, startups, and acquisition integration. Botros holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University.

Kathy Heflin is the Chief Financial Officer at JumpStart, where she leads the finance team and works with the CEO on financial management and organizational sustainability. She previously served as CFO & Treasurer/Deputy Director at Holden Forests & Gardens and held leadership roles at Brandmuscle, a Cleveland-based SaaS startup. She is a Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio University and an MBA from CWRU's Weatherhead School of Management.

Ke'Lani Hall is Entrepreneur in Residence at Oxford Science Enterprises. Hall has worked in healthcare for nearly 15 years, building and transforming healthcare businesses across six continents, with experience spanning venture-backed startups, strategic turnarounds, IPO support, acquisitions, and market expansions. Hall's work has included partnerships with government entities, healthcare providers, and private insurers.

Kimalon Dixon serves as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at JumpStart Ventures, working within Operations. She previously was Senior Project Director of Cleveland Purpose Built Communities, a Program Officer at the Cleveland Foundation, and held leadership roles at the City of Cleveland's Department of Public Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from The Ohio State University and an MBA with a concentration in Management & Labor Relations from Cleveland State University.

Lauren Smith-Petta works in educational services at JumpStart, focusing on small business support. Before joining, she taught entrepreneurship to college students, worked at the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), and ran a consulting business writing business plans, designing training, conducting market research, and coaching entrepreneurs. She holds a Bachelor's of Specialized Studies in Creative Entrepreneurship with a Creative Writing minor from Ohio University and an MBA from Cleveland State University, and she teaches entrepreneurship as an adjunct at Baldwin Wallace University.

Lorne Novick is CEO of JumpStart Inc., having previously held senior roles there including Chief Services Officer and Senior Partner for Services & Deal Flow Management, where he worked on service delivery strategies and startup pipeline development in Northern Ohio. Earlier in his career he was Legal Counsel for the Cleveland Browns, Chief Administrative Officer at sports apparel startup Baunfire Athletics, and an adjunct professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He holds a JD/MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a BS in Business Administration from Miami University.

Mary Paxton is Vice President of Development at JumpStart, where she leads the organization's fundraising efforts. She previously served as Director of Development for the ACLU of Ohio and worked with organizations including Catholic Charities and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry on basic needs, homelessness, and workforce development. She holds a Master's from John Carroll University, where she is an adjunct professor in the Nonprofit Administration program, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Allegheny College.

Matt Riehl is Head of Government Relations at JumpStart Ventures. Before joining the firm, he served as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development at Arconic Corporation (formerly Alcoa Inc.), where he oversaw the company's government incentive program and lobbying efforts at the federal level and across more than 20 states. He holds a JD and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a BBA from Kent State University, and serves on Stow City Council.

Sanchez supports JumpStart's digital strategy, manages day-to-day social media content and reporting, assists with website updates, and contributes to communications and campaigns. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a marketing major and a digital marketing certification from the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce.

Patrycja "Patty" Ajdukiewicz leads Small Business Services at JumpStart, supporting entrepreneurs with advisory help, mentoring, capital, and programming. She previously worked as a Development Finance Analyst at the City of Cleveland's Economic Development Department and as a relationship manager at the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Phelan Spence is Manager of Business Strategy Services at JumpStart Inc., having previously worked as a Financial Analyst and Analyst Team Manager. Spence advises clients in Spanish and English on pricing, financial projections, accounting systems, goal-setting, and presentations to investors and lenders.

Rachna Lather has worked across corporate and advertising agencies in integrated marketing communications, strategy, product and brand management, and digital marketing. She has led marketing for global consumer brands in the technology, telecom, and consumer electronics sectors across India and the Asia-Pacific region, and her campaigns have been recognized at forums including the Effies, Emvies, and AMEs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Microbiology from Delhi University and an MBA in Marketing and Mass Communication from the Delhi School of Communication.

Sarah Gray is Data and Projects Manager at Oxford Science Enterprises. She has programme leadership experience at operational and strategic levels, including work on capability programmes in Tanzania, India, China, and the Philippines, and manages diverse, geographically dispersed teams. She is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Practitioner.

Shanelle Johnson Zeigler works in Small Business Services at JumpStart, engaging with early-stage and small business clients to identify their needs, provide feedback, and make referrals to internal and external partners. She also manages the Encore Mentoring Program and connects entrepreneurs with a network of expert advisors. Previously, she served as MBE Certification Director for the Ohio MSDC and as an Assistant Administrator at the City of Cleveland. She holds an MBA and a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Cleveland State University.

Athene Blakeman is Manager of Business Strategy Services at JumpStart Inc., where she also works as a Financial Analyst and Analyst Team Manager. Working in both Spanish and English, she advises clients on pricing, financial projections, accounting systems, goal-setting, and presentations to investors and lenders.

Harry Clifford is a digital marketing associate at JumpStart Inc., where the work includes content development, social media management, and promotion of programs and events for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Clifford has also served as an emcee at community events focused on small business owners and local innovation.

Chief operating officer at Enern.

Iwona Dombek-Wieczorek is a Marketing Project Coordinator at JumpStart Inc., where she supports the marketing team and coordinates the Operational Support Services program. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in May 2024 with a degree in communication studies, having served on the executive board of the Delta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi, worked as art director for the student newspaper The Exponent, and held a marketing associate role at MARQUEE Creatives.

Managing Partner and an operator, advisor, and investor in sports, media, and technology since 1999. Formerly a Managing Director at Iconica Partners and at Evolution Media Capital, where he negotiated over $30 billion in global media deals; also a startup co-founder and angel investor.

Melissa Kosciusko is a digital marketing associate at JumpStart Inc., where her work includes content development, social media management, and promotion of programs and events for entrepreneurs and small businesses. She has also served as an emcee at community events focused on small business owners and local innovation.

Rishi Desai is Chief Executive Officer of JumpStart Inc., an Ohio organization focused on economic development and expanding entrepreneurs' access to capital, expertise, and networks. His prior roles include Chief Services Officer at JumpStart, Legal Counsel for the Cleveland Browns, Chief Administrative Officer at Baunfire Athletics, and Adjunct Professor at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He holds a JD/MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a BS in Business Administration from Miami University.