New Executive Committee Leadership

Maine Venture Fund announces new Executive Committee leadership

Maine Venture Fund is pleased to announce a leadership transition on the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors, the Small Enterprise Growth Board (SEGB). Susan Ahern will step into the role of Chair, and Justin Young will step into the role of Vice Chair, succeeding Dr. Brien Walton and Peter DelGreco in these positions.

We are deeply grateful to Brien and Peter for their leadership. Dr. Brien Walton, CEO of Acadia Capital Management, L3C and director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson University, brought decades of experience spanning venture capital, commercial banking, and innovation strategy to the role. Peter DelGreco, President and CEO of Maine & Company, has been instrumental in attracting new business and investment to the state throughout his tenure. The pair served in their roles for each of the past five years, the longest such tenure in MVF’s nearly 30-year history. Both will continue to serve as directors on the Board, and we thank them for their guidance in helping steer the Fund's mission forward. 

As Chair, Susan brings a track record of building and scaling innovation. She served as the first Vice President of Innovation at MaineHealth, where she co-founded four biomedical and life science companies, and created and invested in seven startups.. Her work with the Consulate General of Canada was awarded first in the world by the International Business Innovation Association. Susan is a graduate of Colby College, a member of the Damariscotta Class of Leadership Maine, and also serves on the board of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurship.

As Vice Chair, Justin Young brings deep venture investing experience to the role. He is Assistant Vice President at Unum Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Unum Group, where he leads sourcing, evaluation, and investment management for early-stage companies transforming employee benefits, work, and longevity. Justin holds an MBA from Boston University's Questrom School of Business, a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Connecticut, and completed the Venture Capital Executive Program at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. 

Regarding her appointment, Ms. Ahern shared "Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rich with grit, vision, and world-class talent. As a vital strategic partner equipping high-potential companies with the investment dollars and insights needed to attract the next round of funding, I am honored to serve as Board Chair alongside an intelligent management team and board. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to backing bold founders and building a more prosperous, sustainable economic future for the State of Maine!"

Congratulations to Susan and Justin, and thank you to Brien and Peter for their continued partnership and service to Maine's entrepreneurial community.