Karen LeVert, a veteran commercialization executive, is the new board char at NC IDEA. The Durham-based economic foundation also names three board members while two current members step down.

NC IDEA announced the changes Tuesday and also unveiled an updated website.

LeVert has been a member of the board for the past two years.

New members are Peyton Anderson, Greg Brown and Patti Gillenwater.

“The leadership and guidance of our Board enables us to advance the Foundation’s mission and vision,” said Thom Ruhe, CEO of NC IDEA, in a statement. “Our newest members are distinguished members of North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and bring a wealth of expertise and energy to our activities. We are fortunate to have such accomplished business leaders supporting our efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurial future of North Carolina.”

Stepping down from the board are investment executives Jeff Barber and Mitch Mumma.

Bios of the new chair and board members:

  • Karen LeVert has served on NC IDEA’s board for two years prior to being elected Chair. She is currently President and Co-Founder of Southeast TechInventures and Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Ag TechInventures, Inc. Karen’s business experience encompasses both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds with over twenty-five years of successful leadership experience in start-ups, technology commercialization and executive management.
  • Peyton Anderson is CEO of Affinergy, a Duke spinout commercializing peptide linkers as coatings for medical devices, and is one of the Triangle’s notable and successful entrepreneurs. Previously, Peyton was founding CEO of SciQuest, Inc. and raised over $175 million in capital prior to the company’s IPO in 1999.
  • Greg Brown is President and Owner of Cardinal Finance which provides fractional CFO and other financial advisory services to small and mid-sized businesses. He is also the Administrator of Charlotte Angel Fund, one of the most active angel investor funds in North Carolina. His career has been devoted to serving entrepreneurs and the companies that they create as a trusted business partner and investor.
  • Patti Gillenwater is President, CEO and owner of Elinvar, a highly innovative executive search firm. Patti is an experienced business leader who has extensive nonprofit and professional association board experience. Patti’s experience as an entrepreneur is highlighted by her successful navigation of major changes in the industry and her creative approach to reinventing the business model of her firm with the result of sustaining business success while evolving and growing the firm’s capabilities and focus.

Also on the board are Lee Buck, Randy Myer and Sean O’Leary.

(Note: Bios were provided by NC IDEA.)