PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 26, 2013: iStart Jax is pleased to announce the restructuring of its leadership team which will continue to remain committed to bring world class entrepreneurship programs aimed at improving services. Their mission remains focused on enhancing the startup ecosystem of Northeast Florida with the support of local and global resources.
Yash Nath, former director, has assumed the role of President and CEO. Yash is an accomplished business executive with over 18 years of broad IT experience in Product Management, Project Management, and Global delivery models working in Fortune 500 Companies and currently works as Senior Manager, Projects at Acosta Sales and Marketing. He is passionate about creating new programs to support iStart Jax’s mission and its continued commitment to Northeast Florida’s dynamic entrepreneurial space. Yash says “Germination of an entrepreneurial mindset among young people is the key differentiator which can transform NE Florida workforce and position us for vibrant and resilient economy“.
Kevin Riley, entrepreneur, health care executive, business model innovator, will continue to serve as honorary Board Member and Board advisor. In his many roles as CEO, and Chief Innovation Office, Kevin has created consumer experiences that drive behaviors, and ultimately actions. Kevin says “The healthcare system is not so much broken as made up of working parts not working together. The problem is misalignment of the ecosystem’s building blocks and a reset is required to create alignment that is both market-driven and cost conscious. And new markets require new thinking. Our role at iStart Jax is to bring that new thinking to Florida”.
Founder MJ Charmani remains the Chairman of the Board at iStart Jax and continues his efforts in making iStart Jax a world-class business accelerator developing strategic relationships.
Newly Appointed Board of directors include Jason Jull attorney with the Business Law group at Holland & Knight LLP and Marice Hague, Director for Public relations Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Sheena Koshy, recognized as the Innovator and Influencer of Northeast Florida and Daniel Fanger, Financial Markets Specialist, will continue to be the board members.
In addition to the leadership transition, iStart Jax will be rolling out several new customizable programs in 2013. These include:
Project e-Mindset is an educational program sponsored by iStart Jax, that focuses on teaching the entrepreneurial mindset to underprivileged young adults and Teens in Jacksonville. The program, developed with the Kauffman Foundation, is a timely reminder of the ability of entrepreneurship to empower ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, while helping to build new companies and creating new. A continued support to regions most anticipated programs for entrepreneurs Startup Weekend NEXT and Startup Weekend 2014.
