Our Mission

To foster the growth and development of the innovation and technology ecosystem in Hampton Roads by educating entrepreneurs and business leaders, ensuring their access to essential resources, and developing connections within the business community to create synergistic partnerships. We are committed to creating a robust and supportive environment that drives regional development and empowers entrepreneurs through education to succeed and contribute to the prosperity of our community.

Building an Innovation Economy

We are building an ecosystem here in HRVA focused on growing, guiding, and connecting entrepreneurs and the technology ecosystem in order to build a stronger and more innovative economy in our region.

Inclusivity & Interconnection

It’s time to collectively stand this up and speak with one resounding voice to help draw attention to and streamline these efforts to benefit the entire region: aspiring entrepreneurs, students, employees, and existing businesses alike.

The Innovate Hampton Roads Community

Our ecosystem comprises investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, mentors, universities/colleges, corporate partners, talent resources, media & marketing partners, culture & community partners, and more.

Executive Director

Tim Ryan
Tim RyanExecutive Director
James Doe
James DoeAssociate Director
Emanuel Perez
Emanuel PerezProgram Manager

Board of Directors

Paul Hirshbiel
Paul HirshbielChair, Innovate Hampton Roads
Tom Marsden
Tom MarsdenVice Chair, Innovate Hampton Roads, Vice President at Marathon Consulting
Blair Durham
Blair DurhamPresident and Co-Founder, Black BRAND
John E. Finguerra
John E. FinguerraVice President, TCI
Nancy Grden
Nancy GrdenPresident & CEO, Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
Alan Hagerman
Alan HagermanVice President TerraVision, Inc.
Conaway Haskins
Conaway HaskinsVice President, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems - Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp.
Mark Johnson
Mark JohnsonVice President & Community Development Manager, Truist
Kevin Leslie
Kevin LeslieAVP, Innovation and Commercialization | ODU
Paul Nolde
Paul NoldeManaging Director, 757 Collab
John Paris
John ParisPartner, Williams Mullen
A.K. Schultz
A.K. SchultzCo-Founder & CEO SVT Robotics
Jolie Spiers
Jolie SpiersExecutive Director at Small Business Development Center
Derrick Williams
Derrick WilliamsCox Virginia Government Affairs & Public Relations
Toi Hunter
Toi HunterHampton Roads Alliance Vice President for Business Retention and Expansion