Steve Neff
Senior Director, Springboard Program
Leads the flagship Springboard program, helping Inland Northwest founders validate business models, build readiness, and move toward commercialization.
LinkedIn profile →How we work
Commercializing Innovation
Helping ideas move toward practical market pathways.
Connecting People, Ideas & Resources
Building useful relationships across the region.
Cultivating Community
Creating repeated moments for trust, learning, and collaboration.
INW Team
The people helping founders, businesses, universities, and regional partners move from connection to practical action.
Allen Battle
Co-Founder & Senior Director, Special Programs
Supports special initiatives and regional program delivery, helping expand access to innovation resources across the Inland Northwest.
LinkedIn profile →Kevin Keohane
Board Member & Chief of Staff
Serves on the board and as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director, supporting strategy, brand, growth, and ecosystem alignment.
LinkedIn profile →April Needham
Partner, Bloom Collective / Special Projects
Supports special projects, partnership development, and program execution across regional innovation initiatives.
LinkedIn profile →Tim Krauss
Founder, NeedsMet Inc / Springboard Manager
Manages Springboard founder support, helping teams move through coaching, readiness work, and practical next steps.
LinkedIn profile →Ed Reese
Mentor & Advisor, Sixth Man Marketing
Provides marketing, growth, and advisory support for founders and businesses preparing to build stronger market traction.
LinkedIn profile →Jamie Sampson
Digital Consultant, JamSam Digital
Advises on digital execution, content systems, and practical technology choices for founders and growing organizations.
LinkedIn profile →Nicole Earling
Content Strategy / Project Manager
Supports content strategy and project coordination to keep InnovateINW programs, communications, and deliverables moving.
LinkedIn profile →Lily Creasey
Event Coordinator
Coordinates events, masterclasses, and network sessions that bring founders, businesses, and partners together.
LinkedIn profile →Bill Kalivas
Co-Founder & Advisor, Launchpad INW
Co-founder and advisor, providing long-term ecosystem context, regional relationships, and strategic guidance.
LinkedIn profile →Meet the team supporting InnovateINW programs, events, partnerships, and founder development.
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Share who you are, what you are building or supporting, and what kind of connection would help. We’ll route you to the right program, event, or partner path.