CHATTANOOGA, TN – June 24, 2024: The Enterprise Center (TEC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce its unanimous decision last week to name Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman as President & CEO after a nationwide search that attracted 240 applicants. Ms. Quarterman will assume the role on July 15, 2024. TEC’s current President & CEO Deb Socia will remain at TEC in an advisory role through the fall.
Ms. Quarterman is a globally recognized leader in entrepreneurship with a specialization in product development (academic/institutional and startup), public-private collaborations, and inclusive innovation. She was appointed by the Governor of Kentucky to her former role of Executive Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state’s primary agency responsible for new investment, job creation, and industry retention.
“I look forward to bringing my professional and personal experiences in championing community to The Enterprise Center so that we, together, can reach even more Chattanoogans with technology to improve career trajectories, health outcomes, and quality of life,” said Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman. “TEC has demonstrated its value in neighborhoods across Chattanooga under Deb Socia, and I am honored to play a leading role in continuing its bright future. There is opportunity for everyone.”
Ms. Quarterman has appeared in numerous media publications, podcasts, panels, and conferences as a thought leader at the intersection of technology, health, business, and community development. She is a two-time national awardee for inclusive innovation programming for her groundbreaking statewide work leading Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, in addition to founding the Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on law and public policy from the University of Louisville and an MBA from the University of Louisville College of Business.
“The Enterprise Center—and by extension, all of Chattanooga—is fortunate that Monique has agreed to put her remarkable experience to work for the good of our community,” said Mayor Tim Kelly, Board Member of The Enterprise Center. “Her impressive resume, friendly personality, and passion for applying technology to make people’s lives better make our town the perfect place for her to continue the good work of The Enterprise Center.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Monique. The more we spoke with her and people she’s worked with, it became clear that she’s had a tremendous impact not just through programs and policies, but through the personal connections she makes everywhere,” said Dan Ryan, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the President & CEO Search Committee. “Her proven experience in innovation and improving access for everyone will be a critical asset to our communities as we continue to build an advanced and inclusive future.”
“My talented colleagues at The Enterprise Center have successfully attracted someone of tremendous caliber to help lead them into their next chapter of positive impact for the people of Chattanooga,” said Deb Socia, President & CEO of the Enterprise Center. “Although I will be retiring this fall, I will never stop cheering on this remarkable organization and believing in its mission.”
