About IPND

Our Team

Dave Brenner

President and CEO of Innovation Park at Notre Dame

"I hope to provide sensible direction to spur and support appropriate new initiatives that capture the region's attention and engagement. My hope is to see that the initiatives we spawn lead to countless other initiatives that, collectively, create and sustain an entrepreneurial ecosystem in this area. At this stage in my business career, my interests are strictly focused on doing whatever I can to make a difference in a team environment. South Bend needs to shift its decades-long inertia downward, by tapping the natural instincts of its people to find new, innovative ways to tap its natural strengths and to spur growth. I want to be a small part of a team that helps create that shift in direction."

Dave Brenner brings 30 years of experience in leading successful start-up companies, acquisitions, and partnerships. His background includes founding and serving as managing partner of IdeaWorks, an incubator and accelerator firm in Grand Rapids, Mich., that helps early-stage entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas—especially those related to technology or medical or consumer products—into marketable enterprises. Prior to IdeaWorks, Dave worked for Amway Corp., the last two years as founder and president of Amway Ventures, Inc., which developed and rolled out independent business ventures. His professional experience also includes management positions at Kelloggs, Johnson and Johnson, and Procter and Gamble. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and has been active with Notre Dame's IrishAngels network since its inception in 2000. He has also taught entrepreneurship classes in the Mendoza College of Business since 2005.

Theresa Sedlack

Innovation Park's Private Sector Engagement Director

"I am inspired by the innovators and entrepreneurs working to bring their new discoveries and ventures to market. I hope to support our clients by putting them in meaningful contact with expert advisory support and other resources that can help them navigate the best path forward for their work. I would like to see the University and regional ecosystems grow in their size and ability to support bringing innovations successfully to the marketplace."

Theresa Sedlack brings more than 10 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, market experts, and investors throughout the Notre Dame family. Prior to joining Innovation Park, Theresa served as venturing programs manager for Notre Dame's Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. In this role, she helped create and led many of the major programs in the Gigot Center, including the formation of the IrishAngels network, the annual McCloskey Business Plan competition, and the NASDAQ training program offered in connection with the competition. Her professional background includes eight years working at Procter and Gamble. She teaches the M.B.A. venture capital class in the Mendoza College of Business. Theresa received both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from Notre Dame.

Natalie Stahl

Innovation Park's Facilities Administrator

"Innovation Park is a resource, designed to engage and inspire creativity by bringing the energy of the marketplace to the University of Notre Dame. Guests to our facility are surprised by the large windows, building design and unexpected modern décor. In my role as facilities administrator, I feel the physical surroundings and general atmosphere need to parallel our efforts to encourage independent thought and collaboration that result in creative solutions to real problems. I enjoy creating a fun and safe place for new companies to face their challenges and providing resources to help them overcome them. In my role I make sure the building functions properly and that clients' basic needs are met. Getting to know the clients and their companies is inspiring and I love to help them connect with each other. I aim to simplify their operational needs so they can focus on their early stage milestones and offer lean operational habits. I like to tell our clients that my role is to make them comfortable, but not too comfortable, as I expect to see them graduate soon! During their stay, I hope they enjoy the cookouts, seminars and other events designed to help them build their business and find our environment welcoming and inspiring. I would like to see the Park as the hub of entrepreneurial activity in Northern Indiana. To become an organic information source for new companies, seeking advice with a desire to connect with colleagues and like-minded team members is a vital resource for new businesses. If Innovation Park can be that hub, not only will local companies feel extra support, I'm confident there will be an energetic undertone to our community."

Natalie Stahl's varied background in creative arts, copywriting, program design and entrepreneurship adds depth and organizational skill to the work of Innovation Park. Before managing her own freelance design business, her background extends to work in local advertising agencies and marketing departments. She received her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington in English and recently completed an MBA in Marketing through Walden University.

Kiley Wood

Innovation Park's Business Office Administrator

"Innovation Park provides valuable tools and resources to early stage companies so they may grow and build their business. It is exciting to be part of a team that continuously searches and implements different means for companies to become successful. I hope to facilitate the business processes within the Park so the Innovation Park specialists may focus on the individual client needs. I am looking forward to a growing number of companies utilizing the Park's innovative resources to build strong successful businesses within the community."

Kiley Wood brings over 20 years of experience working in corporate accounting and human resources. She received her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Accounting and Business Management with a Chemistry Minor.

Leanne Phillips

Freelance Writer

"It is exciting to be part of the energy here at Innovation Park. My goal is to take that enthusiasm and apply it to the Park's communication tools so others will be inspired to innovate with us. Capturing the vibrant culture here also means sharing the stories of the Park's entrepreneurs to help get their big ideas moving into the marketplace."

Leanne Phillips began writing in 1999 for a small-town newspaper. She spent time in schools, churches, coffee houses and firehouses, getting to know the local community and telling its stories. In addition to her new role at Innovation Park, she has enjoyed writing for other newspapers, four magazines, and a web site devoted to dogs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University, Bloomington, where she worked for the Indiana Daily Student newspaper in advertising.

Mary Baker

Innovation Park Administration

"At the forefront of the Innovation Park facility, I enjoy serving the clients and guests of Innovation Park, controlling access and directing support personnel and guests throughout the building."

Mary graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and worked for Dun & Bradstreet for over 15 years. Mary's unique ability to connect with clients and juggle multiple tasks helps create an organized yet energetic entrepreneurial atmosphere. Her personal flair for the dramatic and ability to acquire multiple accents provides all who enter with a cheerful smile and wholehearted welcome.

Connie Varga

Innovation Park Administration

"I love the energy and synergy you feel right when you walk through the doors of Innovation Park. I enjoy working on the ground floor and helping build client relationships. I get to see the dynamics of those relationships — the sharing of ideas over coffee — and then those ideas coming to fruition. I hope to make a difference each morning as I enthusiastically greet clients and guests, and as I help bring people together to experience those 'a-ha' moments."

Connie graduated from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Prior to Innovation Park she worked for 18 years at GE Capital ITS Solutions in South Bend, where she grew the business by $20 million in hardware and software, and $4 million in services. Connie has volunteered of her time extensively and currently serves on the board at Stanley Clark School, is a coordinator for Logan's Run, and an MSA soccer coach. Connie treats everyone who enters Innovation Park like a rock star. Her organizational abilities combined with her gift of hospitality make both her colleagues and Park guests feel at ease.