By Tim Ryan

757 Collab, an umbrella organization fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Norfolk, Virginia, recently announced additional leadership changes and promotions, further strengthening its position in the regional startup ecosystem.

Following the April announcement that Paul Nolde would succeed Monique Adams as Managing Director effective May 30, 2023, several additional changes have taken place within the organization. Hunter Walsh, formerly a program manager for 757 Startup Studios, a Norfolk-based coworking space offering free office space and mentoring to selected entrepreneurs, assumed the role of director on May 1.

Eileen Brewer, previously the director of strategic partnerships for 757 Collab, took over as executive director of 757 Accelerate on May 1, following Evans McMillion’s departure. Both Walsh and Brewer bring extensive leadership experience to their new positions.

Walsh’s background spans over a decade in the private and nonprofit sectors, including roles with the Hampton Roads Chamber and Cullipher Farm. He holds an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and an MBA from Virginia Wesleyan University.

Brewer’s impressive 20-year career in the tech industry includes stints at several Silicon Valley companies, most notably serving as a member of the Golden Seeds angel investing group in 2015 and working at Symantec Corp., now Gen Digital Inc., from 2011 to 2019. Prior to joining 757 Collab, Brewer founded the first tech startup accelerator in Iraq.

On May 30, Paul Nolde, currently executive managing director of Lighthouse Labs in Richmond, will take over as managing director of 757 Collab and executive director of 757 Angels. Since its launch in 2015, 757 Angels has invested over $100 million in 49 companies, with approximately 90% of its member investors hailing from Hampton Roads. All companies receiving investments from 757 Angels are either Virginia-based or maintain significant operations within the state.

757 Collab comprises 757 Angels, 757 Accelerate, and 757 Startup Studios, overseeing both 757 Angels and 757 Accelerate. These leadership transitions mark an exciting new chapter for the organization, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in Virginia.