Connect Prepares for New Era of Leadership and Growth

Rick Valencia, Seasoned Entrepreneur and Connect Board Vice Chair, Steps into Interim-CEO position

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Connect, the premier non-profit organization in the San Diego innovation ecosystem established 40 years ago to cultivate life science and tech innovation communities, today announced Mike Krenn, Chief Executive Officer, and Christie Marcella, Chief Operating Officer, have accepted leadership roles at other San Diego organizations and will be leaving Connect, while remaining as independent members of its Board of Directors.

"Mike and Christie have taken Connect to new heights over their tenure and are leaving the organization in our strongest ever financial and team position and incredibly well positioned to further advance the San Diego innovation ecosystem," said James Mackay, Connect Board Chair, recently appointed for a second two-year term. "Under their leadership, Connect has been a driving force in San Diego, dramatically changing the trajectory of investment in the region. The organizations' strategic programs have worked to create a $5 billion dollar ecosystem and there is certainly room to continue to grow with the excellent Connect team that we have in place."

Connect also announced the appointment of its next three successor Vice Chairs, all of whom are innovation company founders and entrepreneurs. Following Mackay as Chair for the 2027-2028 term is Ashley Van Zeeland; followed by Denise Bevers for the 2029-2030 term; and Rick Valencia for 2031-2032. "Having eight years of such outstanding leaders already elected to chair Connect, is unheard of in the non-profit sector," added Mackay. "I believe this speaks to the organization's mission, strong foundation and the unwavering commitment of our board."

A search is underway for a permanent successor for Krenn. In the interim, Connect has named Rick Valencia as Interim CEO. Valencia has a long career as CEO with technology and life science companies, and along with Mackay, has been a board member of Connect for over 15 years.  Valencia will be working with the Connect team to continue the exciting innovation programming and events over the coming months.

"We will miss working with Mike and Christie but look forward to continuing to work closely with them in their new roles, further deepening Connect's community networks," said Valencia. "We are fortunate to have a strong, high-quality, dedicated Connect team and Board of Directors with unparalleled reach across all sectors of San Diego. We are all genuinely committed to our mission and to building a better San Diego." 

Krenn added: "In my new role, which is expected to be announced soon, I will be leading investments in innovative San Diego technology and life sciences companies. It is very additive to the mission of Connect and I look forward to remaining actively involved with the organization and supporting its mission."

Marcella is joining the City of San Diego as Deputy Director, Community & Business Engagement in the Economic Development Department, underscoring the innovation economy's importance to the city's growth as an innovation hub and in bringing innovation access to all corners of the city. 

Continuing a History of Innovation

Founded in 1985 by a group of San Diego tech and life science entrepreneurs the Connect organization has been driving San Diego's innovation economic growth for 40 years. The breadth of Connect's programs and the quality of a highly curated community is the reason behind its incredible impact on the region. Premier Connect programs include:

• The organization's Cool Companies program has been central to the region's progression. The program annually attracts hundreds of venture capitalists to the region, showing off our best startups to the investment community. Since 2015, the Connect Cool Companies have raised over $900 million in just Series A institutional capital.
• In 2022, the organization led the launch of Innovation Day. The event has become the largest gathering of CEOs and Investors in the region and celebrates the region's top tech, life science, defense, and consumer companies.
• In 2022, Connect also launched its innovative XEO program – a leadership program designed for mid-level diverse employees from the innovation sector. It's been dubbed as one of the most influential and impactful leadership programs in the country. With over 100 alumni, the program continues to grow the next generation of San Diego leaders.

"It's been a great responsibility to lead Connect and I couldn't be prouder of what the team and the organization have accomplished," added Krenn. "I am excited to welcome the next CEO and to continue to partner with this great organization and team. The foundation is strong, the team is excellent and the opportunity for San Diego's future is limited only by our collective vision."

Press Contacts:
Mike Krenn
Connect CEO
1-858-449-0345
[email protected]

James Mackay
Connect Chair of Board of Directors
1-267-481-2234
[email protected]

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SOURCE Connect