AKRON, Ohio, (Feb. 2, 2023) – Bounce Innovation Hub is pleased to announce the following leadership changes, promotions and additions:
- Jessica Sublett officially took over as CEO on Jan. 1. Since January 2018, she served as COO of Bounce under now-retired CEO Doug Weintraub.
- Jeanine Black was promoted to chief strategy and communications officer as of Jan. 1. She previously served as Bounce’s chief marketing officer since January 2019.
- Susan Berg Herman was hired as Bounce’s first chief administrative officer in December 2022. Previously, she served as CAO at Asian Services in Action (ASIA), located in Akron.
- Jennifer Kelsch will continue to serve asBounce’s chief financial officer in an increased capacity. She is owner of JSK Solutions and serves as GAR Foundation’s chief financial officer.
“As Bounce continues to grow, we have assembled a professional and passionate team of more than 20 full- and part-time employees,” said Sublett. “So it was imperative that we match that growth by bringing on new leadership with additional skills and expertise, while allowing current leaders to expand and grow their own roles into new and somewhat uncharted areas. I feel very proud of this executive team and our entire organization and look forward to what we will achieve together.”
About the Executive Team
Jessica Sublett, CEO
A northeast Ohio entrepreneur ecosystem industry leader, Sublett sets and maintains the vision for Bounce. Formerly, she served five years as COO for the organization. Sublett is passionate about technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and has dedicated her career to supporting entrepreneurs and economic development in Northeast Ohio. She earned her J.D. and a Certificate in Intellectual Property from the University of Akron School of Law, her LL.M in Intellectual Property from the University of Akron School of Law, and her Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Findlay.
Jeanine Black, CSCO
As chief strategy and communications officer, Black is responsible for a broad set of leadership duties which align strategy execution with public relations and internal communications of that strategy. The CSCO also leads the marketing and communications initiatives of the organization. Black has more than 25 years of professional experience. Formerly, she served four years as chief marketing officer for the organization. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Susan Berg Herman, CAO
As chief administrative officer, Berg Herman serves as the primary day-to-day operations lead for the organization and oversees HR, compliance and governance. She also helps with the organization’s strategic plan and overall management. Previously, she served as CAO at Asian Services in Action (ASIA). Berg Herman earned her Master of Public Administration in international public and non-profit management from New York University – Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and her Bachelor of Science in business/communications from Grove City College in Grove City, Pa.
Jennifer Kelsch, CFO
As chief financial officer, Kelsch is responsible for managing the financial operations of the organization. She will drive the financial strategy and direct the preparation of internal and external financial reports and tax returns. She has more than 13 years of experience working in nonprofit financial management and operations. Prior to that, she held management positions in public accounting and corporate accounting departments. She is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University.
About Bounce Innovation Hub
Bounce Innovation Hub is located in downtown Akron in a former B.F. Goodrich plant and comprises 300,000 square feet of office, lab and light manufacturing space. More than 50 companies and organizations are located in Bounce. Bounce encourages open collaboration among diverse groups through unique opportunities, programs and events. The organization has served more than 300 entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses since its founding in January 2018.
For further information, contact:
Jeanine Black
Chief Strategy and Communications Officer
E-mail: jblack@bouncehub.org