Launc[H] Team
Dedicated to nurturing a city of transformative thinkers and industry-shifting startups, the Launc[H] team is made up of individuals with extensive experience in leading groundbreaking change. Collectively, the notable executives of global organizations, the innovative leaders of area universities, and the community connectors, directors, and pioneers that form Launc[H] work together to weave the fabric of Hartford’s future day in and day out.
Launc[H] Team
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Michelle Cote
ConnectAs Director of Launc[H], Michelle leads the development of relationships with key community stakeholders that help to make Hartford a visible and vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation. Working together with anchor institutions and other community partners, Michelle has helped to seed and support several key programs, including: Hartford InsurTech Hub, Digital HealthCT, and Nassau Re/Imagine. Launc[H] also provides entrepreneurs and partners with connectivity to resources across the Hartford region. At the UConn School of Business, Michelle teaches courses that help students and faculty build skills critical for entrepreneurship and innovation, and supports them in forming the business models necessary to bring new ventures to market. Michelle’s other professional experience includes providing coaching and technical assistance to entrepreneurs in South America and Afghanistan; founding and leading a social enterprise; and designing and launching an accelerator, focused on social enterprise, in Hartford. -
Linda Mitrook
ConnectSince joining Launc[H]’s innovation program office in 2017, Linda has been collaborating with innovation leaders and project partners who are on the frontlines of building out Hartford’s innovation ecosystem. Her favorite thing about the city is its diversity in cultures and industries, and when Linda isn’t providing fiduciary or contracting support, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves cooking and experimenting with recipes (Salute is her favorite Hartford spot), getting outdoors for a brisk walk or bike ride (you can find her at the Riverfront), and breaking into song (but only when no one is looking).
Board of Directors
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Ojala Naeem
ConnectOjala is steadfastly focused on growing an innovation and entrepreneurship community in Connecticut. She currently oversees the Innovation Agenda for Personal Lines at Travelers, and supports experimentation, POCs, and partnerships. Ojala also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Compass Youth Collaborative, a Hartford non-profit that promotes the safety, wellness, and academic success of youth. Her favorite things about Hartford are its size, diversity, and proximity to major cities. Her most beloved attraction is the Know Good Market, and her go-to restaurant is Firebox. Ojala was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. She received her BA in International Studies from Fordham University in New York. In 2017, Ojala was a recipient of the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award for her work in the Greater Hartford region. -
Jason Rojas
ConnectThe Chief of Staff and AVP for External Affairs at Trinity College, Jason is proud to be a part of this effort to help articulate a strategic vision and plan to develop and grow the innovation ecosystem in the Hartford region. Launc[H] has brought together anchor institutions who have long histories in Hartford and are committed to the future success of the city and region. Jason’s favorite thing about Hartford is the potential it has as a region. He loves college basketball at the XL Center, and chances are you’ll find him at the Kitchen at Forge City Works post-game. He’s a life-long resident of East Hartford and believes in the power of cities and towns coming together to leverage our collective resources to make the Hartford region more competitive and attractive for investment and growth. -
Sulin Ba
ConnectSulin has been with the University of Connecticut since 2002. A prolific author of many research articles, she has received multiple research awards as well as teaching awards. She also served for six years as an Associate Dean at the UConn School of Business. During her tenure, she was a passionate champion of UConn's entrepreneurship activities. She's been involved with Launc[H] since its planning stage. Sulin’s favorite restaurant is ON20, and she loves nothing more than Hartford’s summer activities along the Connecticut River. She grew up in China and came to the US for graduate studies. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. -
Geoff Matous
ConnectGeoff, who serves as the President of Convexity Scientific, was introduced to Launc[H] in early 2019 and joined the Board of Directors shortly thereafter. Adjacent to the work with Launc[H], Geoff also serves on the MedTech Advisory Committee, supporting initiatives like Digital Health CT. Playing a small part in the incredible undertaking that is innovation ecosystem development in the Hartford region is truly an honor for Geoff. His favorite thing about Hartford? The people. His go-to attraction is the Hartford Yard Goats and his restaurant of choice is Salute. Geoff was raised in Torrington, graduated from UConn in 2006, and after a stint in NYC currently calls West Hartford home. -
Eileen Buckheit
ConnectAs the Development Director of the Town of East Hartford, Eileen and her team welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with Hartford and its businesses who do not recognize municipal borders. In East Hartford and the Hartford Region as a whole, there’s a long history supporting manufacturing businesses both small and large—and innovation is always at the forefront of this industry. Eileen counts Hartford’s tenacity and creativity amongst her favorite things about the city. She loves the Riverfront and her favorite spot to eat is Roma’s Restaurant & Pizzeria. -
Julie Gionfriddo
ConnectIn her role at Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina (FML) LLP, Julie works in an advisory capacity with many companies in Connecticut and leverages her 20+ year venture capital and private equity background to help entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. FML is a strong supporter of the innovation ecosystem in CT, providing audit, tax, and consulting services for companies at all stages of development. A true lover of history, Julie’s favorite Hartford attraction is the Mark Twain House, her most beloved things about the city are its economic history and location on the Connecticut River, and when it comes to eating out, Firebox is her go-to. Julie earned her BA and MA in Economics from Trinity College and enjoys living in the greater Hartford area with her family. -
Anurag Shah
ConnectThe innovation ecosystem of Hartford is young but growing at a rapid pace, and Anurag is proud to be a part of it as the CEO & Co-Founder of Aureus Analytics. Anurag is inspired by the collaboration between Hartford’s large corporations, its local organizations, and the global startups that call this city home. Trained and educated in computer engineering, he has a history of leading technology teams and driving forward organizations' IT solutions. Anurag loves how connected Hartford’s innovation ecosystem is, and his favorite city attraction is Bushnell Park while his go-to place to eat is Church & Main Deli. -
Gene Goddard
ConnectAs Chief Business Investment Officer for the MetroHartford Alliance, Gene helps lead the effort in attracting and growing businesses within the Hartford Region. Among other things, Gene cites the Innovation Destination Hartford website as an immensely powerful tool in connecting entrepreneurs and innovators by highlighting success stories from throughout the region. Since relocating to Hartford just a year ago from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Gene and his family have settled down in Avon (it didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the New England outdoors). A photographer on the side, Gene loves playing golf, building furniture, and checking out a Yard Goats game. As for his favorite food spot, Gene prefers a good sandwich from Sorella. -
David Sinko Steuber
ConnectIn 2016, as a staff member with state legislative leaders, David had the opportunity to develop the concept behind Innovation Places (now Launc[H] for the Hartford Region) and help write the legislation to set it in motion. In 2020, an opportunity arose to work for CTNext directly, where David now supervises the Innovation Places program statewide in Hartford/East Hartford (Launc[H]), New Haven, New London/Groton, and Stamford. David’s favorite thing about Hartford is its people, and he loves seeing them come together at local events, particularly at Yard Goats games. If he’s looking for a good meal, chances are you’ll find him at Monte Alban, his go-to restaurant in the city. After growing up in East Hartford and Ohio, David attended UConn, and he and his wife currently live in Hartford. -
Sabrina Tucker
ConnectLaunc[H] Board Member -
Todd Andrews
ConnectLaunc[H] Board of Directors and a Senior Cabinet member of Goodwin University. -
Beth Chaty, HD
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