Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Initiates Search for New Executive Director

DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is searching for an individual to become the organization’s next executive director.

"In just over two years, The Accelerator has grown from concept to success and has been positioned as a credible player in the agtech ecosystem, thanks to strong leadership and support from our board, investors and volunteer mentors," said Scott McEntee, senior vice president of accounting at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company and board chair for The Accelerator. "We look forward to our search for the next motivated, dynamic individual who possesses startup experience to take on the role as executive director for The Accelerator.”

The Accelerator is seeking a full-time executive director who will work closely with the interim executive director for the 2019 cohort, taking full responsibility of the role after its conclusion. This person will also collaborate with The Accelerator’s board to set and execute strategies for the program. Informal discussions with interested parties and more formal interviews leading to a hiring decision will take place during May.

Although the start date for this position is in June, the individual selected to fill this role must be prepared to assume this leadership position without supervision in August 2019, after a transition/training period with the interim executive director. The executive director job description, along with details of how to apply, can be found at www.agiowa.com. Resumes can be emailed directly to Mike Colwell at mcolwell@DSMPartnership.com.

The Accelerator’s 2019 program has support from some of the largest and most well-known agtech and ag-related companies in Iowa, including Corteva Agriscience^™, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, Grinnell Mutual, Kent Corporation, John Deere and Sukup Manufacturing Co., in addition to more than 130 mentors.

About the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a mentor-led accelerator focused on agtech innovations. Led by innovators and leaders in several areas of agriculture, The Accelerator seeks startups ready to change the status quo. For more information about the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, visit AgIowa.com.

###