Connect Welcomes 13 New Board Members to Help San Diego Innovation Move as One
The Californer/10359996

SAN DIEGO - Californer -- Connect, the nonprofit that has supported San Diego's innovation economy for more than 40 years, today announced 13 new members of its board of directors. The appointees add practical expertise as Connect works to bring founders, investors and the community around them closer together.

"Our board is part of the team, not an audience for it," said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. "Staff run the programs and build relationships day to day. The board brings credibility, introductions and influence that open doors for founders and investors. This group knows what it takes to build a company here, and they're ready to put that knowledge to work."

Several new directors bring financial and legal depth. Maileen Flores, CPA and partner at Richtr Financial Studio, helps founders build investor-ready financials and pursue non-dilutive funding. Jean Stadwiser, audit partner at KPMG, and Tim Holl, assurance partner at EY, together bring more than 50 years of experience serving public and emerging companies. Mark Potash, partner at Foley Hoag LLP, advises life sciences and technology companies on licensing, collaborations and acquisitions.

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Others focus on the people side of growth. Jenny Ho of Partnology helps biotech CEOs and investors build leadership teams. Steve Gerardi, workforce strategy advisor at TriNet, works with founders on scaling their teams. Josh LeGassick, management consultant at Elixirr, helped build a 50-person startup into a 1,250-person global software company. H. Puentes, co-founder, president and CEO of San Diego Squared, leads a nonprofit talent platform connecting exceptional individuals with the region's innovative companies.

The board also gains industry, academic and civic perspective. Lisa Sanford, vice president of commercial strategy and engagement at Altasciences, brings nearly two decades in early drug development, joined by Silvia Vincenzi, scientific business developer at genOway. Betsy Brennan, president and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, was named CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal in 2022 and 2026. Austin Carter, community director at Kiln, has scaled teams at WeWork and AT&T. Deborah Virant-Young, associate dean at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, aims to expand industry mentorship for students and faculty moving ideas into clinical use.

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Stadwiser and Holl succeed Chris Finley of KPMG and Mike Howard of EY, whose seats rotate this quarter. Connect thanks both for their service.

The new directors join as Connect deepens its support for life sciences, technology and defense, with AI and health running across all three, and works to become the trusted guide for founders and investors navigating San Diego's innovation economy.

Learn more about Connect at https://connect.org/.