Leaders
Karl R. LaPan was appointed director of UF Innovate | Accelerate in May 2021. He oversees its business incubation, commercialization programs and promotes the entrepreneurial energy and community within the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress District in Alachua, FL.
Printable version of Karl’s bio sketch is available here.
UF Innovate | Accelerate operates two best-in-class facilities encompassing nearly 130,000 sq feet, has a resident client portfolio of over 90 active companies, an average client wage rate 43% higher than the state of Florida average, assisted in securing nearly $11.3 billion in client invested capital, and since inception, provided support to over 250 client companies. Since its inception, the UF Innovate | Accelerate program has generated over $20.6B in economic impact, advancing the Gator Nation’s impact globally.
Before his appointment, he was the president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He led the globally award-winning entrepreneurial support organization and launched tech-based economic and entrepreneurial programs to serve the under-represented segments in Northeast Indiana. He and his team created innovative growth programs for accelerating early-stage company development to increase the survivability rate of nascent companies and create a vibrant ecosystem to nurture the development and commercialization of promising technologies.
Before that position, he served as the president and CEO of an advanced biometric identification company, NBS Imaging Systems. He started his career at General Electric and worked in six different strategic business units of GE, including Aircraft Engines, Power Systems, Marine Services, Appliances, Corporate Headquarters, and Financial Services. He is also a program graduate of their prestigious Financial Management Program.
Karl is an advisory board member of the College of Business (COBAB) at his alma mater, Franklin Pierce University, the current president of the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), and an adjunct instructor in Entrepreneurship at Franklin Pierce University. Previously, he served on the Board of BioPoly LLC, an orthobiologics early-stage company. Additionally, he is a community advisory board member for the InBIA Ecosystem Builder Leadership Project (EBLP).
Karl’s professional interests are healthcare, innovation/entrepreneurship, and customer experience. Previously, he was an associate faculty member in the MBA program at IPFW and an Executive-in-Residence/Adjunct Faculty member in the MBA program at Taylor University. Additionally, he served on the Taylor MBA Business Advisory Board, IPFW Doermer School of Business Advisory Council & IPFW ETCS Industrial Advisory Board, Manchester University President’s Leadership Council, and the IU School of Medicine-Ft. Wayne Advisory Board.
After 18 years of service, Karl retired from the Board and his position as Secretary of Physicians Health Plan (PHP), a physician-owned and managed not-for-profit HMO, and, before its sale, he was a former board member of IAB Financial, a $1B community bank, where he chaired the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee. Additionally, he served on the Board of directors of the Indiana Chamber, assisted in the implementation of a system-wide innovation program at Parkview Health, and was on an advisory board for the Ball State University Entrepreneurship Center. Additionally, he received the IPFW Chancellor’s Award and the InBIA President’s Award of Excellence.
LaPan received his Bachelor of Science, business management, summa cum laude from Franklin Pierce University. He obtained his master’s degree in human resource development from American University in Washington, DC, and is a Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society member. He has completed executive education programs in non-profit leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation at Stanford University, Harvard University, Babson College, and the University of Notre Dame.
He is the author of several books, including his most recent book, published in May 2021, entitled Entrepreneurial Hacks: Practical Insights for Business Builders.
Jennifer is a dedicated professional based in Gainesville, Florida, holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida. With a strong educational background, she has earned additional certifications, including the lnBIA Incubator Manager Certificate, We Love Mentors Certified Startup Mentor, and Entrepreneurial Mindset Certified Entrepreneur Coach.
A printable version of Jennifer’s bio sketch is available here.
Jennifer is the driving force behind UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub, one of the largest single-use incubator facilities in the US. Since joining The Hub in 2016, she has excelled in maintaining occupancy and revenue goals, implementing innovative client-centric programs, and spearheading new initiatives and special projects. Her commitment and leadership were pivotal in The Hub receiving the 2018 International Business Innovation Association (lnBIA) Global Mixed-Use Incubator of the Year award.
Jennifer is a seasoned professional, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse sectors, including sales, hospitality, real estate law, finance, and accounting. Her proficiency extends to finance, operations, strategic planning, project management, data analysis, problem-solving, and leadership.
Outside her professional endeavors, Jennifer is active in the community. She proudly serves as a board member for the Alachua Junior Achievement and the Florida Business Incubator Association. A graduate of Leadership Gainesville (Go Green!), she exemplifies values such as compassion, respect, resilience, courage, passion, and imagination.
In her personal life, Jennifer’s journey started in some of the finest restaurants in South Florida and Atlanta before transitioning to a successful career in business. Her ultimate goal is to foster a safe, encouraging, and supportive community for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and thrive.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and indulging in her love for food and wine. A fun fact about Jennifer is that she was born in the hospital once located on the very land where she now passionately works.
Elliott works on programs and progress for startup companies in UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech in Alachua.
Before joining UF Innovate, Elliott was a business development intern for ReliOx Corporation, a resident startup at Sid Martin Biotech; a legal assistant for Robert S. Griscti, Esq., assisting him in his practice of white-collar criminal law, criminal defense, federal and state litigation, professional licensing and appeals; and volunteered with the North Central Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
He earned his BA in history with a minor in teaching English as a second language (2013) and MBA focusing on entrepreneurship and marketing (2017) from UF. He was a Bob Graham Center for Public Service Student Fellow and Poe Center for Business Ethics Education and Research MBA Fellow.
Printable version of Elliott’s bio sketch is available here.
Accelerate Staff
Emily is a receptionist for UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub. Her duties include onboarding and exiting employees, providing residents with fresh coffee, managing conference room bookings, registering visitors and helping to coordinate parking.
She graduated from the University of Florida in 2012 with a bachelor’s in journalism, and then moved to Hong Kong, where she spent a year teaching English before backpacking Southeast Asia for another year.
Since returning to Florida, Emily has grown her roots here in Gainesville, but she continues to travel as much as possible!
In addition to working with The Hub, she runs her small glass-fusing studio, Pink Tiki Glass Designs, which she started in 2021. Emily regularly pops up at events around town, including the Haile Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. You can check out Emily’s event schedule and take a peek at her work by visiting her website http://www.pinktikiglassdesigns.com
Jennifer is a dedicated professional based in Gainesville, Florida, holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida. With a strong educational background, she has earned additional certifications, including the lnBIA Incubator Manager Certificate, We Love Mentors Certified Startup Mentor, and Entrepreneurial Mindset Certified Entrepreneur Coach.
A printable version of Jennifer’s bio sketch is available here.
Jennifer is the driving force behind UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub, one of the largest single-use incubator facilities in the US. Since joining The Hub in 2016, she has excelled in maintaining occupancy and revenue goals, implementing innovative client-centric programs, and spearheading new initiatives and special projects. Her commitment and leadership were pivotal in The Hub receiving the 2018 International Business Innovation Association (lnBIA) Global Mixed-Use Incubator of the Year award.
Jennifer is a seasoned professional, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse sectors, including sales, hospitality, real estate law, finance, and accounting. Her proficiency extends to finance, operations, strategic planning, project management, data analysis, problem-solving, and leadership.
Outside her professional endeavors, Jennifer is active in the community. She proudly serves as a board member for the Alachua Junior Achievement and the Florida Business Incubator Association. A graduate of Leadership Gainesville (Go Green!), she exemplifies values such as compassion, respect, resilience, courage, passion, and imagination.
In her personal life, Jennifer’s journey started in some of the finest restaurants in South Florida and Atlanta before transitioning to a successful career in business. Her ultimate goal is to foster a safe, encouraging, and supportive community for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and thrive.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and indulging in her love for food and wine. A fun fact about Jennifer is that she was born in the hospital once located on the very land where she now passionately works.
Courtney oversees the maintenance, housekeeping, and general upkeep of the almost 100,000 square-foot technology incubator, UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub. She manages the inventory of building assets, space allocation, as well as accounts payable approver. She also serves as the liaison between the resident clients at The Hub and UF departments such as Information Technology, Facilities Services, and Environmental Health and Safety. Courtney interfaces with clients on a daily basis to solve problems, manage space, and create growth opportunities. She also handles event management, including room layouts, catering management, and scheduling. She manages data input and data management for the contact management system for The Hub.
Before joining UF Innovate in 2017, Courtney was the Facilities and Administration Manager at Naylor Association Solutions located in Gainesville. She was responsible for a 60,000 square foot commercial building, served as executive assistant to the CEO, as well as coordinated events. Prior to relocating to Gainesville, Courtney worked for 13 years in the print media industry in a variety of roles including media buying, sales, and production.
Courtney earned her B.S in advertising from the University of Florida.
Karl R. LaPan was appointed director of UF Innovate | Accelerate in May 2021. He oversees its business incubation, commercialization programs and promotes the entrepreneurial energy and community within the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress District in Alachua, FL.
Printable version of Karl’s bio sketch is available here.
UF Innovate | Accelerate operates two best-in-class facilities encompassing nearly 130,000 sq feet, has a resident client portfolio of over 90 active companies, an average client wage rate 43% higher than the state of Florida average, assisted in securing nearly $11.3 billion in client invested capital, and since inception, provided support to over 250 client companies. Since its inception, the UF Innovate | Accelerate program has generated over $20.6B in economic impact, advancing the Gator Nation’s impact globally.
Before his appointment, he was the president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He led the globally award-winning entrepreneurial support organization and launched tech-based economic and entrepreneurial programs to serve the under-represented segments in Northeast Indiana. He and his team created innovative growth programs for accelerating early-stage company development to increase the survivability rate of nascent companies and create a vibrant ecosystem to nurture the development and commercialization of promising technologies.
Before that position, he served as the president and CEO of an advanced biometric identification company, NBS Imaging Systems. He started his career at General Electric and worked in six different strategic business units of GE, including Aircraft Engines, Power Systems, Marine Services, Appliances, Corporate Headquarters, and Financial Services. He is also a program graduate of their prestigious Financial Management Program.
Karl is an advisory board member of the College of Business (COBAB) at his alma mater, Franklin Pierce University, the current president of the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), and an adjunct instructor in Entrepreneurship at Franklin Pierce University. Previously, he served on the Board of BioPoly LLC, an orthobiologics early-stage company. Additionally, he is a community advisory board member for the InBIA Ecosystem Builder Leadership Project (EBLP).
Karl’s professional interests are healthcare, innovation/entrepreneurship, and customer experience. Previously, he was an associate faculty member in the MBA program at IPFW and an Executive-in-Residence/Adjunct Faculty member in the MBA program at Taylor University. Additionally, he served on the Taylor MBA Business Advisory Board, IPFW Doermer School of Business Advisory Council & IPFW ETCS Industrial Advisory Board, Manchester University President’s Leadership Council, and the IU School of Medicine-Ft. Wayne Advisory Board.
After 18 years of service, Karl retired from the Board and his position as Secretary of Physicians Health Plan (PHP), a physician-owned and managed not-for-profit HMO, and, before its sale, he was a former board member of IAB Financial, a $1B community bank, where he chaired the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee. Additionally, he served on the Board of directors of the Indiana Chamber, assisted in the implementation of a system-wide innovation program at Parkview Health, and was on an advisory board for the Ball State University Entrepreneurship Center. Additionally, he received the IPFW Chancellor’s Award and the InBIA President’s Award of Excellence.
LaPan received his Bachelor of Science, business management, summa cum laude from Franklin Pierce University. He obtained his master’s degree in human resource development from American University in Washington, DC, and is a Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society member. He has completed executive education programs in non-profit leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation at Stanford University, Harvard University, Babson College, and the University of Notre Dame.
He is the author of several books, including his most recent book, published in May 2021, entitled Entrepreneurial Hacks: Practical Insights for Business Builders.
Allen provides maintenance services for both UF Innovate | Accelerate facilities, The Hub and Sid Martin Biotech. He maintains and repairs each building in order to support our innovation ecosystem. Allen obtains proposals from private vendors and coordinates with UF Facilities Services, PD&C, contractors, and program clients on a wide range of building projects. He prepares offices and labs for new startups, manages bio-hazard waste activities, performs water and autoclave testing, and resolves various building issues.
Before joining UF Innovate | Accelerate, Allen worked at the UF Warrington College of Business. He has also been a business owner and was the facilities maintenance engineer for Le Triomphe Golf Club, a private golf club that hosts the PGA Tour’s Louisiana Open each year.
Brittany provides general administrative functions for UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech, including handling reception, scheduling meetings, coordinating calendars, preparing correspondence, and providing routine office support.
Before joining the team at Sid Martin, Brittany worked in customer service and multiple medical environments.
Brittany has earned two A.S. degrees from Santa Fe College, one in health information technology and the other in cardiovascular technology.
Lissette is The Hub’s accounting extraordinaire. She prepares monthly invoices for Hub clients and maintains the sub-ledger accounting system. Lissette processes Pcard transactions, expense reports, accounts payable, and monthly reconciliations reports. She assists the incubator manager with financial reports and monthly auditing as well as provides support for all internal and external Hub events.
Before joining The Hub in 2017, Lissette worked in many industries including a law firm in Miami and some of the best food and beverage establishments in Chicago. She has many years of experience in customer service, sales, marketing/social media, billing, and administration.
Lissette graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has completed her Fiscal Management Certificate at UF and is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.
Lexi is responsible for providing direct and indirect support to assist resident and external clients of UF Innovate | Accelerate. Her duties include organizing and implementing entrepreneurial programming and connecting clients with local and program resources such as business development assistance, access to shared and support services, and networking/entrepreneurial community building. She plans and executes events such as Innovation Hours, Lunch & Learns, vendor shows, and workshops for both the Hub and Sid Martin Biotech. She strives to build a service culture of excellence for our entrepreneurial community through surprise and delight and memorable experiences for our clients.
Lexi graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in tourism, event, and recreation management, with a specialization in tourism and hospitality management. Post-graduation, she spent a year with the Kraft Heinz Company as a Planters Brand Specialist, driving the Planters NUTmobile across the country! Before joining the UF Innovate | Accelerate team in 2022, Lexi worked in several managerial roles in the hotel industry at brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
Kat Scott is a full-time Administrative Assistant for UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub. Her primary duties include greeting clients (current and prospective), scheduling conference room bookings, and assisting with the particulars of community management within the incubator. She also provides fresh coffee and refreshments for residents to enjoy throughout the day while they are hard at work developing their technologies.
Before accepting her position as Administrative Assistant in 2021, she worked providing customer service and hospitality in the food industry. Kat studies various disciplines within the realm of visual arts and storytelling and can be often seen jotting down notes and sketches of her own.
Birk is responsible for managing technical services and laboratory areas at UF Innovate | Accelerate @ Sid Martin Biotech. As an experienced chemist, Birk assists startup companies with technical questions, shared equipment training, and maintenance of shared scientific instruments. He also ensures regulatory compliance, assists with facility operations and improvement initiatives, and acts as an IT liaison, ensuring seamless operations and a safe environment, fostering an atmosphere conducive to innovation and research.
Birk grew up in Iowa and graduated with a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa. Post-graduation, he moved to Gainesville to help plant a church, utilizing his skills in event production and music, while also working at the University of Florida. He began at the UF College of Pharmacy in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry as a laboratory technician responsible for managing the department’s shared lab spaces and scientific equipment, ensuring safe research activities. Before joining the UF Innovate | Accelerate team in 2023, he worked at the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Translational Drug Development Core. There, he developed LCMS methods for core projects, assisted with drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies, and performed timely data analysis to report high-quality results to the clients.
Addy is an administrative support assistant for UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub. Her duties include onboarding and exiting employees, providing residents with fresh coffee, assisting with renewals, and managing conference room bookings.
Addy graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in forest resources and conservation. Following graduation, Addy completed a service year through AmeriCorps, where she worked to eradicate invasive species, collaborated with the team members to focus on habitat restoration, and improved professional expertise and knowledge by completing chainsaw, wildland fire, and CPR/First Aid certifications. Before joining the UF Innovate | Accelerate team in 2022, Addy worked in customer service and property management.
Elliott works on programs and progress for startup companies in UF Innovate | Accelerate at Sid Martin Biotech in Alachua.
Before joining UF Innovate, Elliott was a business development intern for ReliOx Corporation, a resident startup at Sid Martin Biotech; a legal assistant for Robert S. Griscti, Esq., assisting him in his practice of white-collar criminal law, criminal defense, federal and state litigation, professional licensing and appeals; and volunteered with the North Central Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
He earned his BA in history with a minor in teaching English as a second language (2013) and MBA focusing on entrepreneurship and marketing (2017) from UF. He was a Bob Graham Center for Public Service Student Fellow and Poe Center for Business Ethics Education and Research MBA Fellow.
Printable version of Elliott’s bio sketch is available here.
Lillian started at UF Innovate | Accelerate as an administrative assistant at UF Innovate | Accelerate’s Sid Martin Biotech in Alachua, Florida. She now goes between the Hub and Sid Martin as an administrative coordinator, providing administrative support to the executive team and conducting research. She also prepares and edits documents, presentations, and reports. Like a catch-all net, she handles multitudes of different projects and tasks.
Lillian graduated from Florida State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in social science, with concentrations in environmental studies and law & policy. She worked at a state agency and held multiple leadership positions within her sorority, Delta Zeta. Post-graduation, Lilly spent a year living in Tallahassee, building connections in the legal field. Before joining the UF Innovate | Accelerate team in 2022, Lilly worked at a small law firm under a city attorney and at The Florida Bar. Lilly is a Gainesville native and is happy to be back in The Swamp.
