Winston Starts will soon have its fourth leader in less than two years.
Robert Boles, who became permanent president of the startup incubator/accelerator in July 2020, will retire effective Dec. 31, and Stan Parker will take over as president on Jan. 1. Boles will continue to serve as advisor to Winston Starts.
"A huge thanks to Bob Boles for a job very well done for ably guiding Winston Starts through the worst of the pandemic and for continuing to implement the foundations that will help Winston Starts to continue to scale and grow in its impact," Don Flow, chairman of the Winston Starts board, wrote in an email. "Bob has bridged Winston Starts in an exemplary manner and we are delighted he will remain closely involved after his retirement."
Parker has a rich business background. He has held corporate C-suite and/or executive roles with Hanesbrands, Krispy Kreme, and GMAC insurance, and he also worked in higher education with the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill. Parker also has been the CEO of two startups, one in healthcare and one in digital marketing consulting.
"He knows first-hand the challenges that startups face," Flow wrote. "I am confident that Stan will guide Winston Starts into becoming an even more valued resource for startups in Winston-Salem and beyond."
Winston Starts is also promoting Betsy Brown from director to vice president for business development and cohort operations, effective Jan. 1. Brown has owned a business and also has worked in strategic marketing and sales management for General Mills, managed an acquisition for Sara Lee Apparel, and oversaw the design and build out of two Ace Hardware stores.
Before joining Winston Starts, Boles served as CEO of the Hostway Corporation. He also executive and C-suite positions at Cognizant Technology Solutions, Pegasus Solutions, AimNet Solutions and IBM Global Services.
Boles took over for Tony DiBianca, who stepped in as interim president after former president Steve Linbeberger stepped aside in May 2020 but remains on the board of directors of Winston Starts, which occupies inside the tower at 500 W. Fifth St. in downtown Winston-Salem.
