Frank Jaskulke, a longtime leader at the Medical Alley Association, is leaving the med-tech and life sciences industry group this week.
Jaskulke, who spent 19 years at the nonprofit — most recently as vice president of innovation — marked his last day on Friday, June 14.
CEO of Medical Alley Roberta "Bobbie" Dressen will manage the team while the organization determines the next team structure.
The Golden Valley-basedorganziation supports Minnesota's health care technology economy. The organization has grown to partner with more than 800 health care industry organizations. Jaskulke said that with Medical Alley's efforts to build its brand, key initiatives and team, he felt that the organization was in a great place.
"We’re now at this next inflection point, so now is a good time for me to think about what I should do next, and I want to make space for another leader," Jaskulke said.
During his tenure, Jaskulke led the nonprofit's Medical Alley Starts program, an initiative to support Minnesota's health care startups. He helped draft part of the legislation that created the Minnesota Angel Tax Credit,encouraging investment in startup companies.
His work growing the organization earned him a splace in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal' 40 Under 40 class of 2015
Being a part of the drive for innovation in Minnesota and helping with the Angel Tax Credit has been one of his proudest achievements while serving at the nonprofit.
Watching the startup scene fluctuate over nearly two decades, Jaskulke said he believes it's strong and will continue to grow.
"The destiny is in our own hands," Jaskulke said. "We have the greatest health innovation community in the world. We’ve had the choice to make it the best innovation ecosystem in the world. Medical Alley has had it’s part, I’ve had my part, and I hope everyone else will step up and join in."
Jaskulke said that while he has not decided on his next steps, he wants to continue to be a part of health care and innovation in Minnesota.
