Ohio University

Jennifer  Simon

Ms. Simon is the Director of the Ohio University Innovation Center (IC) since March, 2009.  During her tenure, the client base for the University-based incubator increased from 3 to 19 member companies. Ms. Simon has won over $850,000 in grant funding for the IC, and spearheaded efforts to build a Biotechnology Research and Development Facility. Ms. Simon facilitates client access to capital through Angels, Venture Capital, and traditional lending institutions.

Ms. Simon's career prior to the IC Directorship included the Presidency of the Athens County Economic Development Council and the position of Athens Area Chamber of Commerce CEO. In her role, she also led the high-profile retention of Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc., an employer of over 250. Prior to these positions, as the Assistant Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia Ms. Simon managed over $60 million in grants. 

Ms. Simon holds a BS in Political Science, an MA in Public Administration, and has recently completed a second Masters in Business Administration from Ohio University. Ms. Simon resides in Athens, Ohio with her husband, David.

Bethany  George

Bethany George joined the Innovation Center team as Executive-in-Residence (EIR) in July of 2011. Ms. George is a native of Lancaster, Ohio, and earned a master's degree in business, economics, and political science from Ohio University. She also serves on Ohio University's Global Leadership Center Advisory Board. 

Prior to her role as EIR, Ms. George served as a business advisory consultant for Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and the TechGROWTH Ohio program since 2006. She worked with pre-revenue/early-stage technology inventors and entrepreneurs, as well as lifestyle businesses. George also was responsible for managing teams of Ohio University's MBA and Center for Entrepreneurship students, guiding them through strategy consulting engagements with clients.

Susan  Bauman

Susan Bauman joined the Innovation Center and the Technology Transfer Office in September of 2008.Her duties are split between the two areas.While wearing her Innovation Center hat, Susan maintains close contact with the member companies, often working with potential new tenants.

In conjunction with the Technology Transfer Office, her duties focus on database management and helping coordinate the patent and invention disclosure processes. Susan has been with Ohio University for 15 years, having worked for the Telecommunications Center (now the WOUB Center for Public Media) and the College of Business.She has a BSED from Ohio University, and holds the CAP designation through the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

Joe  Jollick

Joe Jollick joined the Innovation Center in August of 2011 as the Director of the Biotechnology Research and Development Facility. Joe is very passionate about helping small bio-tech businesses succeed in Southeast Ohio. He has lived in Athens since 1975, and received his BA in Biology from Ohio University and worked at the Edison Biotech Institute for three years. He has worked for Diagnostic Hybrids for the last fifteen years, where he was involved in the development and commercialization of multiple IVD products. Joe has extensive experience in the transfer of cell-based biological protocols and products from the research and development stage, through Manufacturing and Quality Control, to product launch.

Bernadette  Fechko

Bernadette Fechko graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 2008. She is currently a Senior enrolled in the College of Business at Ohio University, double-majoring in Management Information Systems and Marketing. 

During the Summer of 2011, Bernadette completed a sales internship in Texas with TransPerfect Translations. Bernadette has been working at the Ohio University Innovation Center since October, 2009. She manages all office inventory, accounts payable, and coordinates entrepreneurial events as well as team meetings.

Katie  Pinkerton

Katie Pinkerton graduated from Waterford High School in 2008 and is currently a Senior at Ohio University, majoring in Health Services Administration. Katie completed her practicum at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in the Finance Department in the summer of 2011. 

Katie has been working at the Ohio University Innovation Center since October, 2009. Katie manages most of the Innovation Center's marketing efforts, edits and updates their website, organizes and publicizes organizational events and information, and creates a monthly e-newsletter, Fueling Bright Ideas, which is sent out to nearly 2,000 constituents.

Maggie  Lawlor

Maggie graduated from Waterford High School in 2010 and is currently a Sophomore at Ohio University majoring in Communication Studies. Maggie has been working at the Innovation Center since March of 2011 and works with Bernadette Fechko in managing office inventory and accounts payable.

Andrew  Champa

Andrew Champa graduated from Saint Edward High School in 2009 and is currently a Junior at Ohio University. He is a student in the College of Business, double majoring in Management Information Systems and Finance and also intends on obtaining a Sales Certificate from the Ralph and Luci Sales Centre.

Andrew has been working at the Innovation Center since August 2011. He works with Katie Pinkerton in helping manage marketing projects, updating and editing the website, and organizing events.