Power Moves: TEDCO has a new chief investment officer

Power Moves is a column where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, new gig or promotion? Tell us: baltimore@technical.ly.

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TEDCO has a new C-level leader who will oversee investments from its funds.

Jack Miner was appointed chief investment officer at the State of Maryland-backed organization that provides funding and support for technology ventures, permanently filling a key role after executive departures and new legislative regulations implemented over the last two years.

Miner will lead the activity from TEDCO’s Maryland Venture Fund for growth-stage companies, as well as its seed funds and pre-seed Builder Fund. He has experience in venture capital entrepreneurship across healthcare and universities — two areas that are key innovation drivers in Maryland.

He previously served as managing director of Cleveland Clinic Ventures, directing support for portfolio companies and  spinning off and strategizing for new ventures. He was also the director of the Venture Center at University of Michigan Tech Transfer, as it launched more than 50 startups.

“While funding is one small part of the innovation process, its absence is a big problem for early-stage companies,” Miner said in a statement. “Having it here in Maryland, is a tool that helps attract and retain the best and brightest and I look forward to helping the team enable the use of this resource. The funding is a real asset that should not be underestimated in its potential impact, and our team will do everything we can to not only be good stewards of the money but ensure that it continues to grow.”

The new leadership appointment comes after Troy LeMaile-Stovall joined TEDCO as CEO in the fall.

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Digital CRM marketing agency Response Labs promoted Jen Aldinger to partner. It comes three years after she joined the ETC-based company as director of client service.

“Jen plays a crucial role in driving the business of our clients forward,” Response Labs CEO Dan Dawes said in a statement. “From day one, she demonstrated a natural ability to grow and lead the team, solve complex technology challenges, and ultimately make Response Labs a better agency.”

Aldinger previously served as a global campaign manager at Under Armour.

Please join us in congratulating our Director of Client Service, Jen Aldinger, on her promotion to Partner at Response Labs! Her leadership and passion inspires us to deliver their best for our clients. Way to go, Jen! https://t.co/japbfJsv3m #promotion #partner #leadership pic.twitter.com/ZkpgLmiOGu

— Response Labs (@ResponseLabs) February 24, 2021

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This week brings departure news from a local tech org’s board, following a Biden administration appointment.

A news release states that Chike Aguh departed the board of Code in the Schools on Jan. 20. This came as he was sworn in for a new role as chief innovation officer of the U.S. Department of Labor. FedScoop reported that the position was left vacant during the Trump administration. It is responsible for R&D in “open government, digital products and the introduction of new technologies intended to improve the workforce system, agency customer service and data sharing,” per the federal IT publication.

Honored and humbled to be sworn in today as Chief Innovation Officer at the US Dept. of Labor.  Eager to get to work on the most important task we have: creating a future of work that includes and dignifies all of us.  #futureofworkforall pic.twitter.com/KMKbNBl84Q

— Chike Aguh (@CRAguh) January 21, 2021

Aguh, who lives in Prince George’s County, served on the board of the Station North-based computer science nonprofit since 2013.

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M&T Bank and Operation HOPE named a new leader for financial literacy training in Baltimore.

Tiffany Green was appointed financial well-being coach for Operation HOPE in Baltimore. She will lead credit and money management workshops, aimed at increasing savings, reducing debt and increasing credit score. It works with community orgs such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore and the University of Maryland Baltimore’s new Community Engagement Center.

Operation HOPE received a $100,000 donation from M&T Bank, and said it has served 1,000 city residents.

Green previously served as program coordinator for YouthWorks, the City’s summer jobs program for youth ages 14 to 21.

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Baltimore-based offshore wind developer US Wind is ramping up for development of a new 32-turbine project, located on an area 17 miles off the coast of Maryland. It follows a commitment in August from Apollo Global Management to invest up to $265 million in the effort. With that gust of momentum, the company made a series of new hires from December to February. They are:

• In December, the company named Jeffrey Grybowski as CEO. He formerly held the leadership role at Deepwater Wind, which developed the Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island. It was the first offshore wind farm in the U.S.
• Matt Filippelli joined as technical director, leading the in-house engineering team. He last held an offshore services lead role at Natural Power Consultants.
• Timothy Mack was hired as foundation package and localization manager. He’ll lead the work to build steel foundations for the turbines. He joined from EEW AOS.
• Nancy Sopko joined in the role of director of external affairs, leading government and public affairs initiatives. She last worked at Delaware’s Special Initiative on Offshore Wind.

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Finally, a new role for the Iron Man: Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. will become a special advisor to the board of directors at sports betting company DraftKings. The baseball hall of famer is also taking equity in the company. This will include advising the CEO and board on company strategy, product development and marketing activities.

Today, @DraftKings bolstered its council of advisors by appointing baseball legend & entrepreneur @CalRipkenJr as Special Advisor to the Board of Directors, lending strategic insight around key company initiatives. More details here: https://t.co/sY981kApKs pic.twitter.com/H3CQRrOTGm

— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) February 25, 2021