Topeka, KS, August 2, 2018– Katrin Holzhaus has accepted the position of Senior Vice President of Innovation with the Greater Topeka Partnership and 712 Innovations.
Ms. Holzhaus is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in operational execution, project management, and financial accountability. Focused on early-stage startups and small businesses with high growth potential, she most recently worked closely with CEOs and their senior management teams to achieve medium-term and long-term growth objectives by establishing systems, processes and metrics that keep the business performing at its peak, help attract the right talent, and become an attractive target for investors. Ms. Holzhaus has held a number of operational executive positions in biotech/pharma startups both in the public and private sector and has developed substantial hands-on experience in establishing and growing new businesses. She has built a strong network in the Kansas City life science community and is currently serving as a coach to animal health startups competing at the 2018 KC Animal Health Investment Forum.
“As an accomplished leader with a passion for entrepreneurship,” says Dan Foltz, president of KBS Constructors, Inc and GO Topeka board member, “Katrin will lend herself perfectly to the mission of the Greater Topeka Partnership as well as GO Topeka.”
“Innovation is at the heart of any growing economy,” Duane Cantrell, managing partner and CEO of Fulcrum Global Capital. “Katrin’s focus on creativity, integrating innovation and strategic business practices are vital to developing successful entrepreneurship.”
“Katrin is an excellent addition to our team,” said Matt Pivarnik, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Her past experience as an entrepreneur and project manager will allow Katrin to flourish in her new role and bring a dynamic force to the economic development of Topeka & Shawnee County.”
”I am thrilled to join a strong team of visionary community leaders and to develop Topeka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and startup initiatives,” Holzhaus said of her new position. “Topeka has the talent and foundation to attract innovation globally. I look forward to leveraging these assets to help entrepreneurs make their innovative vision a reality.”
“We’re looking forward to the addition of the position of Senior Vice President of Innovation and all the great things Katrin will bring,” said Keith Warta, president and CEO of Bartlett & West and GO Topeka Board Chair.
Ms. Holzhaus will adopt her new role with the Greater Topeka Partnership on August 3, 2018.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Amy McCarter at 785.234.1030 or Amy.McCarter@TopekaPartnership.com.