Entreprenuer-in-Residence Program
NEVA is privileged to have experienced entrepreneurs David Neenan, Libby Cook, James Epstein and Mark Herbst, as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs). In this capacity, they will spend time guiding our budding student entrepreneurs, as well as supporting and guiding NEVA’s role in the development of CSU spinout companies. The primary drive of their involvement stems from their strong desire to contribute to creating strong social enterprises. Hence the structure, logistics, and responsibilities for the EIR position are flexible and will be tailored to the individual’s experience and capacities. Their responsibilities include helping student entrepreneurs:
- Deal with issues such as strategy, development, IP, and marketing
- Connect with management, industry, and financing contacts
- Seek and explore high growth potential opportunities
- Identify the right talent for the management team and board of directors
Current Entrepreneur-in-Residence Profiles
David Neenan was a founder of Foothills National Bank of Colorado and former president of the Fort Collins School Board as well as The Associated Contractors of Northern Colorado. He has served on the Board of Intrawest Bank and the Chamber of Commerce of Fort Collins, and several other manufacturing and industrial companies. David was "Entrepreneur of the Year" for Ft. Collins in 1994. He is the Chairman and CEO of The Neenan Company, a development, architectural and construction firm which was named Colorado Business of the Year in 1995. David considers The Working Game "an inspirational feast", is an internationally recognized seminar leader, keynote speaker, and business consultant. He has led over 150 seminars since his first in 1983. He has also consulted or conducted trainings for such companies as Hewlett-Packard, US Army, ASID, Florida Light and Power, Hilton Hotels, The Walt Disney Company, and AT&T.
Jim Epstein is the Founder and president of Ecselance International, a micro enterprise development organization. Jim worked at Hewlett-Packard in engineering and management for 27 years including an international assignment in Europe. After leaving Hewlett-Packard, he taught Technology Management at the University of Denver and was managing director of the International Institute of Sustainable Development at Colorado State University. He is also a founding director of Opportunities Without Borders.
Libby Cook, founder and Executive Director of Philanthropiece, brings her entrepreneurial background, expertise and vision to the work of the foundation. Ms. Cook has 25 years experience in the natural foods grocery industry having co-founded and led both Wild Oats Markets and Sunflower Markets. Ms. Cook also served as General Counsel for the businesses from 1987-2005 and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law and a Masters of Laws in Taxation from the University of Denver. She is the recipient of numerous commendations and awards including the Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Mark Herbst is the COO at VanDyne SuperTurbo, Inc, a spinoff of Woodward Governor. VanDyne's internationally patented and tested technology is the most cost-effective CO2 reduction technology in development globally. Mark is also the Board Director at New Sky Energy, Inc and an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise for Colorado State University. Mark has been CEO and COO of multiple companies in the past including Carrier Access, The Vinci Group, and Mercury Sports Group.