Executive Search for Permanent ED to Commence in July
KENNESAW, Ga. (June 27, 2016) — Michael Salvador, director of executive education programs for Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business, has been named the interim executive director of IgniteHQ, north Georgia’s premier entrepreneurial incubator. Salvador will hold dual appointments until a permanent executive director is named.
Salvador, who joined Kennesaw State in 2005, replaces Nancy Whatley who led IgniteHQ since it launched in March 2015. Whatley has joined TRC Staffing Services as the national vice president of franchise operations.
IgniteHQ will begin a search for a permanent Executive Director in July.
“It has been an honor to lead IgniteHQ since its inception almost a year and a half ago,” said Whatley. “What began as a partnership between academia and business will soon grow to be the entrepreneurial hub for the region producing new technology and business ventures poised to revolutionize various industries. It has been exciting to be part of IgniteHQ’s birth,” she added.
“Nancy has done a wonderful job during this startup phase of Ignite HQ; we appreciate her leadership and wish her much success,” Kennesaw State Interim President Houston Davis said. “Through Mike’s appointment, we will develop stronger ties between IgniteHQ and the Coles College of Business, particularly the College’s Doug and Robin Shore Entrepreneurship Center, as we continue to build a premier innovation center that will serve as an economic engine for our region and the state of Georgia.”
A partnership between Kennesaw State and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and supported by Cobb County, IgniteHQ is an outgrowth of the Chamber’s Competitive EDGE program. It supports Georgia’s entrepreneur community by identifying, developing, and providing the resources startups and new and early-stage businesses need to grow and succeed. IgniteHQ also provides entrepreneurs space to conduct their business, access to unique programming, mentoring and advisory services and collaboration opportunities.
Earlier this month, IgniteHQ announced the location of its future headquarters at 57 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30060.
