PRESS RELEASE: 2021-2022 Executive Committee Appointments

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) announces today three key appointments to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. Kelly Rowell, President and CEO shares how strengthening the voice of entrepreneurs and investors at its highest level ignites true transformation at CED. 

“CED provided valuable resources for my company in the early days, and has remained a partner throughout our journey. I’m excited to join the Executive Committee to help support the next wave of entrepreneurs in the Triangle.” – Drew Schiller, Founder and CEO of Validic.  Mr. Schiller was recently recognized as CEO of the Year by the TBJ and has served as a director on the CED Board for four years. 

Ms. Rowell promotes CED’s legacy as its strongest asset. Stories of a business community that came together to form CED in 1984. Stories of founders who have graduated from CED programs and have gone on to build successful companies. And the newest stories of those founders who have returned to CED with the motivation to pay it forward and give back. Ms. Rowell shares that it is this legacy that will shape CED’s role in the ecosystem for decades to come. 

“The team at CED has been instrumental in helping me to understand, grow and improve my business. I’m ready to support their efforts as a member of the Executive Committee in expanding the programs to work with even more new founders and entrepreneurs in the coming years.” – Entrepreneur, Courtney Tellefsen, Founder and CEO of The Produce Box. Mrs. Tellefsen has served on the Board of Directors for five years and made a significant investment in launching CED’s GRO incubator in 2020.

For nearly a decade, CED’s Connect to Capital program has played a critical role in capital formation across the region by convening investors quarterly as well as its annual spotlight on innovation at Venture Connect. In addition, the Innovators Report published annually provides insight to funding high-growth startups across the state. 

“Cofounders Capital has been a proud partner of CED since I joined the organization 6 years ago. We have seen, first hand, how impactful CED can be to the entrepreneurs, companies, investors, and service providers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in North Carolina. I am honored to be joining the Executive Committee and engaging in decisions that will help continue to grow entrepreneurship in the state for decades to come.” – Tim McLoughlin, Partner, Cofounders Capital. Mr. McLoughlin has served as a Director for four years and plays an active role in CED’s Connect to Capital programs.

The Executive Committee is led by Sanjay Pal, a tenured director who has been active in the CED community for over 20 years.

“We have made considerable progress in recruiting leadership that will guide CED into its next phase of impact. I feel fortunate to champion the efforts of such a talented and successful group of individuals and anticipate great outcomes in the years ahead.” – Sanjay Pal, Chair CED Board. Mr. Pal served 6 years as Director before his appointment to Board Chair. 

The CED Board is composed of one-third entrepreneurs, one-third investors, and one-third community partners to provide experience and perspective from all types of resources contributing to entrepreneurial growth in the region.To explore the full listing of the CED Board visit our website now. 

Media should contact Kelly Rowell at krowell@cednc.org with questions.