Ohio University

Jennifer Simon

Ms. Simon has been 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 25 member companies. Ms. Simon has won over $1,850,000 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. She is a member of the National Business Incubation Association, the International Economic Development Council, Athens AM Rotary, and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. 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.

Anna Jensen

Anna Jensen joined the Innovation Center team as the Associate Director in May of 2013.  Prior to this position, she worked as a Business Consultant and Operational Assistance Provider with TechGROWTH Ohio and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the George Voinovich School for Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University since 2008. In that role, Ms. Jensen helped companies in all phases of their business life cycle from start-up to succession planning. Through her work with the Ohio University’s MBA program, Ms. Jensen guided student through the consulting process to make real and lasting impacts on businesses throughout southeast Ohio.

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.

Maggie Lawlor

Maggie graduated from Waterford High School in 2010. She is currently a Junior in Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University, double majoring in Media Management and Communication Studies. Maggie has been working at the Innovation Center since March of 2011 and manages office inventory, accounts payable, and student employee scheduling.

Liz Doyle

Liz graduated from McAuley High School in 2011. She is currently a junior studying Business Administration in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. Liz began working at the Innovation Center in February of 2013. She organizes the Client Networking Luncheons, assembles quarterly Metrics, and updates client logos in the Innovation Center display case. 

Corrine Herris

Corrine graduated from North Royalton High School in 2011. She is currently a junior in the College of Business, majoring in Accounting. Corrine has been working at the Innovation Center since February of 2013 and manages office inventory, accounts payable, and student employee scheduling.

Jessie Leaman

Jessie graduated from Utica High School in 2010. She is currently a senior in the college of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Psychology. Jessie has been working with the Innovation Center since February of 2013, and manages event orchestration, staff calenders, client lists and student employee scheduling.