Our Team

Sarah Ahern is Owner and Partner at PATH, a research and growth strategy firm, that does just that – help companies use data to build great experiences and grow. Her unique approach to research and strategy is based on a decade-long career launching successful programs and products to B2C and B2B markets combined with a MA in Health Education and experience as a Therapeutic Chef. Sarah has worked with Telsa, SpaceX, Clif Bar, SafeAuto, LinkedIn, Whole Foods, Ditch Witch to name just a few. 

Hugh has worked in the technology sector most of his career, leading both public and private companies in software, telecommunications/ broadband, e-commerce, and healthcare technology among others.  He has guided his companies into acquisitions, two IPOs, and a number of growth and financing initiatives. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of ChromoCare, a leader in genetic testing for patients that focuses on medication compatibility for individuals.

Tara  is Managing Director of BMO Sponsor Finance which provides capital to portfolio companies of private equity firms for mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, dividends, and growth capital. She is responsible for relationship coverage with private equity firms, originating new opportunities, conducting due diligence and underwriting new deals, managing her portfolio of existing deals and cross  selling other products within the bank.  

Kathryn has over 15 years of business experience including 11+ years in Johnson & Johnson's leadership development programs, finance, upstream & downstream marketing, field sales, strategic planning, and M&A.  She accrued 4+ years in startups & tech, including CPG and Software, helping early-stage companies through innovation cycles, financing strategies, and roadmap development & milestone obtainment.  She has a holistic, cross-functional viewpoint of what it takes to start and grow companies.

Jennifer Scheehle is the Founder and CEO of Inogize, a boutique strategy and executive advisory firm helping companies maximize innovation, strategy, execution and growth.  

Jennifer began her career as a researcher at Battelle, led key account sales for two software startups that realized successful exits, is a former American Heart Association executive and immediate past-chair of Form5 Prosthetics’ board of directors and nominating committee. 

Jennifer holds undergraduate degrees in engineering

Wolf is Chief Executive Officer at Venture Atlas. His is focused on proving that although venture funding is absolutely not right for everybody it needs to be equally accessible to anybody. His firm is focused on empowering and uplifting overlooked and underrepresented founders. We work with partners to create specific impact funds. We also hire industry outsiders to be the executive teams on those funds. We have released 3 funds: Pride Fund I, Ohio Impact Fund, and United Dream Fund.

Lindsay is a Startup & VC attorney, law professor, and seasoned investor. She is a partner in the firm’s New Ventures practice. She advises entrepreneurs, investors and fund managers on venture capital and startup matters, venture capital fund formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, federal and state securities filings and compliance, including public and private securities offerings, and corporate organization and governance matters. 

Lisa Messner, CPA is the founder of Messner & Co., LLC, a consulting firm providing outsourced accounting solutions to start-ups. Lisa began her career in public accounting at KPMG, has over 20 years of experience including auditing, financial analysis, private-industry and venture capital fund financial reporting. Lisa’s industry experience includes Manufacturing, Venture Capital, Investment Company, Nonprofit, Software, Professional Services, Food & Beverage and Medical

Devices.

Katy Smith's 20-year career as a business journalist gives her broad insight across the economy from manufacturing to economic development to venture capital to leadership topics. Putting people at the heart of every story, she has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs. Since mid-2022, she has been an entrepreneur herself, helping businesses tell their stories through her communications practice and becoming a licensed real estate agent. Katy is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Exec Advisor | Speaker | Author | Innovator | Angel/Impact Investor | Board Member | Founder - Power Within Consulting. Sue is experienced in driving human connection-centered, insight-inspired innovation and business strategies in organizations ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to emerging, high-growth startups. Sue is passionate about creating positive, meaningful, impact in our world and empowering mission-driven leaders.

Mary is a retired C Suite Huntington Bank executive. She started in high school as a teller and has 42 years of experience in banking primarily with Banc One (now Chase), then Huntington. At Huntington she was responsible for 65% of the bank's profitability and 8500 colleagues; leading the retail branch network of 1500 branches, business banking, deposit and loan products, customer experience, marketing, and branding.   

Connie is the Founder and CEO of ReynCon, offering clients guidance, input, and feedback on continuously maturing and improving information security programs. ReynCon brings together security practitioners and individuals who want to build their skills. Connie’s work has been consequential, driving the field forward and inspiring others to do the same.  She serves as a mentor/coach to high school and college students, minorities, women, and others interested in pursuing careers in Cyber. 

Nate is a professional employer organization consultant for TriNet. TriNet provides small and mid-sized businesses with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll and real-time technology.  In his previous role, Nate was responsible for the operation and development of the Keith B. Key Buckeye Social Entrepreneurship Program housed in the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University.