Simms Named Executive Director

SPARK Names Joseph (Skip) Simms Executive Director, Business Accelerator
January 25, 2006

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization focused on innovation and startup ventures, today announced that Skip Simms has been named Executive Director, Business Accelerator.

Simms began his position with Ann Arbor SPARK on January 16, 2006. Previously Skip served as Managing General Partner - Ralph Wilson Equity Fund in Grosse Point Park, MI, a private equity fund investing in venture capital funds with proven track records in financing emerging technologies.

In his new role, Skip will manage the overall operations of the business accelerator including, review, selection and project management for accelerator clients. He will also be responsible for establishing and nurturing relationships that will accelerate the growth of innovation-focused companies in the Ann Arbor region.

Michael Finney, SPARK president and CEO, said, "Skip Simms has a strong background bridging the equity investment and business worlds. Skip's experience will be extremely valuable in enabling SPARK to accelerate and retain innovation-focused companies in our region."

Simms is an active community volunteer, having served on several non-profit boards including the Michigan Venture Capital Association (founding member), Rotary International, United Way, Boy Scouts of America Councils, and Downtown Development Corporation (Evansville, IN)

About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization focused on innovation and startup ventures. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Pfizer, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.