The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) on Monday announced that Miller Girvin has been named as the organization’s executive vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, effective January 2021.
Girvin comes to EDPA from her role as CEO at the Alabama Capital Network (ACN). Along with ACN’s five founders, she started the network in 2017 as a community engagement group to support the Yellowhammer State’s startup ecosystem. In that role, Girvin led ACN efforts to connect startups to capital networks, mentoring from successful entrepreneurs and access to prospective customers.
A leader in collaborative efforts to promote innovation in the state and provide valuable assistance to Alabama’s entrepreneurial and startup community, Girvin earlier this year was named by Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) as one of 15 members of the newfound Alabama Innovation Commission.
“My work at ACN has provided me with a unique perspective into our innovation ecosystem,” Girvin said in a statement. “After years of working with entrepreneurs, investors, and policy-makers I have some very clear and targeted ideas on how we can continue to accelerate our entrepreneurial growth. I am excited to join EDPA to support and expand the already successful programs driving innovation in Alabama.”
With EDPA’s clear focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Girvin’s experience in startup development is integral to preparing young companies for the next phase, whether it be pitch competitions, capital raises or customer connections.
“Miller joining EDPA will enable us to continue to elevate our work to support innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the State as we further position Alabama as an innovation hub,” EDPA president Greg Barker stated. “Her experience connecting early-stage entrepreneurs and investors for our state will be a vital asset to EDPA and the entire economic development community in Alabama.”
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Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
