Chattanooga’s Enterprise Center has named a new chief executive to replace Deb Socia, who is retiring.
Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman has served as executive director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state’s primary agency responsible for new investment, job creation and industry retention, according to a news release.
After a nationwide search that attracted 240 applicants, Quarterman will assume her new role July 15, the release said. Socia, the entrepreneurial development center’s current CEO, will remain in an advisory role through the fall. Socia headed the Enterprise Center for the past five years.
Quarterman specializes in product development, public-private collaborations and inclusive innovation, according to the release.
“I look forward to bringing my professional and personal experiences in championing community to The Enterprise Center so that we, together, can reach even more Chattanoogans with technology to improve career trajectories, health outcomes and quality of life,” she said in a statement.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, a board member at the center, said in the release Quarterman has an “impressive resume, friendly personality and passion for applying technology to make people’s lives better.”
Dan Ryan, the center’s vice chair of the board who oversaw the search committee, said her proven experience in innovation and improving access for everyone will be a critical asset.
— Compiled by Mike Pare