Meet Our Team

Our Staff

Regional Director of Entrepreneurship

John Niederman

Entrepreneur in Residence

Giovanni Martinez

Giovanni Martinez Martini is a young immigrant entrepreneur native of Mexico who currently lives in Fort Wayne. He graduated top of his class from Huntington University with a double major in Accounting and Finance, and a minor in small business management and entrepreneurship. He also has an MBA from Huntington University. He currently works full-time as an investment accountant for Lincoln Financial Group, but his passion lies in entrepreneurship. He founded and co-founded three different ventures: a language service business, a digital marketing company, and an App to explore local bars. He is very passionate about helping guide others and has volunteered many hours to coach early-stage entrepreneurs and young tennis players in high school and college.

Board Members

Sherilyn Emberton

Chairman of the Board

President Emeritus, Huntington University

Marilyn Moran-Townsend

Co-Founder and CEO, CVC Communications

Vice President

John Niederman

Regional Director of Entrepreneurship, Fortitude Fund

Secretary

Allen Brouwer

Commercial Lending Executive, Old National Bank

Treasurer

Aaron Gillum

Senior Vice President, Private Equity Group 50 South Capital Advisors

Scott Glaze

Chairman and CEO, Fort Wayne Metals

Jerry Henry

President, Midwest Pipe and Steel

Sarah Lerner-Mantel

Managing Partner, Roll Tack Ventures, Founded TVP Health, medical startup during Covid

Tyler Mantel

General Partner, Roll Tack Ventures and Founder, 2 startups

Dr. Ann McPherren

Professor of Business and Economics, Dept. Chair and Mentor, Huntington University

Pat Miller

Co-Founder, Vera Bradley; Former Indiana Secretary of Commerce

Fred Nash

President, Main Street Venture

Mike Packnett

Retired CEO, Parkview Health and Board Chair, Love Fort Wayne

Johnny Perez

Serial Restaurant Entrepreneur: Mercado, Spoke + Ivy, Ducky’s, Papi’s Pizza, Te Gusto’ Hospitality

Chris Straw

Founder and President, Team Quality Services, Auburn

Chuck Surack

Chairman of the Board, Sweetwater, and Owner, Surack Enterprises

Sharon Tucker

Mayor, City of Fort Wayne

John Urbahns

President/CEO Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

David Corcoran

Serial Founder, Mentor, and Senior Capstone Adjunct Professor, Trine University

Board Observer

Giovanni Martinez

Entrepreneur in Residence, Fortitude Fund