The leader of Tennessee's premier entrepreneurial organization is leaving less than a year after taking the job.
Van Tucker is stepping down from her role as president and CEO of Launch Tennessee, according to a news release, which works to spur the creation of new businesses across the state.
Nashville-based Hall Strategies founding Partner Abby Trotter has been appointed interim CEO.
The LaunchTN board of directors will begin a national search, led by board member Bruce Doeg, to find Tucker’s replacement, according to the release.
“Van has been a valuable asset to the LaunchTN team, and her leadership has made a great impact on Tennessee’s entrepreneurial landscape,” Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe said in the release. “I have enjoyed working and collaborating with Van during her time at LaunchTN and wish her the very best. I have confidence that Abby will make this a seamless transition as LaunchTN continues its mission to encourage entrepreneurial growth in our state.”
LaunchTN is a public-private partnership aimed at fostering the growth of new businesses in the state — and counts more than $1 billion of investments in early-stage companies since it was formed in 2012. The organization puts on the annual 36|86 festival.
The group's latest leadership change continues a period of disruption at LaunchTN, which began when Charlie Brock stepped down as CEO after five years in 2018.
Tucker took over as interim CEO at LaunchTN in July of last year, after then-CEO Margaret Dolan stepped down to "lead an early-stage company that is focused on innovations in impact investing.” Tucker got the job permanently in Dec. 2020. She was previously the organization’s chief operating officer.
“Working daily with such a dedicated and talented Board, staff — and along TNECD and our many network partners — has been a highlight in my career,” Tucker said said in the release. “Since joining LaunchTN our team has brought Tennessee’s innovation ecosystem to an important phase where we need to capitalize our growth and opportunities. I look forward to assisting in the transition and being a continued supporter of advancing Tennessee’s innovation economy and entrepreneurial spirit.”
In addition to founding Hall Strategies, Trotter has worked as the executive director of Life Sciences Tennessee and BioTN, according to the release.
“I am humbled to take on the role of interim CEO of LaunchTN, an organization whose mission I am deeply committed to,” Trotter said in the release. “I look forward to working with LaunchTN’s talented staff to continue to serve our Network Partners, industry partners and entrepreneurs to build companies that create high-wage, high-tech jobs in Tennessee.”
