Big changes for 43North, the $5 million startup competition.
John Gavigan is preparing to transition out of his role as the organization's Executive Director, a position he has held for the last three years.
Gavigan will continue as 43North Executive Director until his successor is in place and he is also serving as part of the search committee that will select the organization's next Executive Director.
Said 43North Board Chairman Bill Maggio, "John Gavigan has been a tremendous leader for 43North over the last three years and his contributions to Buffalo's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem are almost too numerous to mention. John is, at his core, an entrepreneur, and while it's bittersweet that he will soon be moving on from 43North, I am very excited for John as he prepares to return to the private sector. As 43North enters this time of transition, I'm happy to say that John has has agreed work alongside me on the search committee that will select 43North's next Executive Director and that he will continue to lead 43North until his successor is in place."
"It has been an honor to serve as the executive director of 43North for the last three years," said 43North Executive Director John Gavigan. "It's been the most rewarding professional experience of my career and I'm exceptionally proud of what the 43North team and I have accomplished on behalf of the Western New York community. As my tenure nears its close, I look forward to passing the baton to 43North's next leader, whom I'm certain will carry this organization to even greater heights."
The search committee aims to have the next Executive Director in place prior to the next 43North application period in early 2018.
43North is the $5 million startup competition, awarding cash prizes to some of the best entrepreneurs and startups from around the world. 43North winners also receive free incubator space in Buffalo for one year, guidance from mentors in related fields, and
access to other business incentive programs such as START-UP NY. 43North operates through the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative and grants from Empire State Development and the New York Power Authority. Additional support comes from several other sponsors.
