Over the past month, MTI has been fortunate to add three key members to augment its exceptional staff to help keep pace with the increased workload associated with our new funding approach. It was encouraging that we received dozens of impressive, high-quality applications for the openings, especially given that the State of Maine is essentially at full employment at this time.
After sifting through the applications and conducting first and second interviews, MTI ultimately welcomed Bianca Kowal and Tom Kittredge as new Investment Officers. Additionally, Claire Eaton, an MTI E-Resident for much of the past year, has transitioned over to the MTI staff and will serve as our Director of Investment Operations and Special Projects for the organization.
Bianca Kowal joined MTI last week and brings extensive experience in financial services with a focus in relationship management. Previously, Bianca worked for a registered investment adviser and has held positions with fund companies and broker-dealers. Bianca also has experience in sales, marketing and compliance. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, as well as a Certificate in Financial Planning from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Tom Kittredge started at MTI this week. He is excited by the opportunity to harness his own entrepreneurial, financial, and technological expertise to further MTI’s work. He recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, where he focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. During his time at IESE, he organized two major conferences that examined these connections – TechStars Startup Weekend in Barcelona and the Doing Good, Doing Well Conference. He has five years’ experience as an account specialist at the Council on International Education Exchange and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
Claire Eaton started in early January and, in her new role, works closely with the entire MTI team and Board to continuously evaluate processes, programs, staffing, and partnerships with an eye toward proactively identifying opportunities for increasing efficiency and maximizing institutional impact. Previously, Claire worked for MTI as an Account Manager and Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Prior to joining MTI, Claire worked for several strategy consulting firms in New England and New York City and later built a private consulting practice that aimed to help early-stage science and technology clients gather critical market insights that inform commercialization processes. She holds a Master of Science from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont.
We are excited that Bianca, Tom and Claire have joined the MTI team and look forward to fostering many productive working relationships with MTI’s portfolio companies, research institutions and our valued ecosystem partners.
Best,
Brian