Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, announced that it has appointed Kipton Currier as its Vice President of Operations. The new role comes as the organization clarifies its strategic direction, begins raising growth capital, and adopts a fresh operational approach to its mission. Currier will help build infrastructure across multiple organizational areas, including people, policies, space-making, and systems, to improve performance and help achieve ambitious goals for the regional innovation ecosystem.
“Activation Capital, with its Board, has been redesigning the organization and is now better positioned to drive transformational change. We are delighted to add Kipton Currier to the team as we continue to build a unique ecosystem that unlocks entrepreneurship, scales strong companies, and transforms communities,” said Chandra Briggman, president, and CEO of Activation Capital. “Kipton is a high-impact professional with a unique set of skills at the intersection of health and life sciences, entrepreneurship, and real estate that is critical at this stage in our evolution.”
As a social impact executive, Currier has dedicated her career to serving missions for the greater good. After a successful career in Manhattan real estate, Currier has worked in finance, healthcare, and life sciences. Originally from the tri-city area, Currier moved back to the Richmond region five years ago and has since helped launched three major initiatives, including a health data analytics firm, a national philanthropic guarantee bank, and, most recently, a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Currier has an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.
“As a fourth-generation Virginia entrepreneur, I was drawn to Activation Capital’s vision, mission, and values, and its role in catalyzing entrepreneurship in the region,” said Currier. “I look forward to helping the organization operationalize its strategy. Activation Capital has tremendous opportunity for a bigger, bolder future. I am eager to contribute to its growth and work with the team and partners in these endeavors.”
The appointment comes on the heels of recent wins for the organization, including leading the efforts to secure a $55.9M Build Back Better Regional Challenge award for the region, and a $450K GO Virginia Region 4 Grant to design a regional entrepreneurship strategy. Currier will begin her role as Vice President of Operations at Activation Capital on December 6, 2022.