It Takes a Village

A proud Duke graduate and accomplished entrepreneur, David is the reason Atlanta Tech Village exists. After an extraordinary bootstrapped exit at Pardot, David invested in Atlanta and the startup community by purchasing our 100,000 square foot building and creating the vision for the Village. Addicted to startups, David is CEO of Atlanta Ventures and an avid investor – having invested in over 25 startups. You also might have seen him in the news – it happens so often that ABC (Atlanta Business Chronicle) is now short for All ‘Bout Cummings.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: software entrepreneur — I’m a geek 🙂
Two truths, one lie: Taught myself to code from a book in 8th grade, after Pardot was sold I bought an island, and I named one of my first companies after my hometown street.

The “other” David leads our team, setting the culture while communicating and implementing the Village’s vision, mission, and strategic goals. As Co-founder and President, David has been intimately involved with the creation and growth of Atlanta Tech Village – from the closing table in December 2012 through concept, design, and construction to facilities and programming – transforming a run-down 1980s office building into Atlanta’s startup hub. David’s also the Founder of Clickscape|Village Realty, but his most important startups are his 3 kids who are seeing some real traction lately. Oh and chances are he’s taller than you.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: A player-owner of the Atlanta Hawks
Two truths, one lie: I ran a marathon on a bet; One of my first forays into entrepreneurship was a line of super punny greeting cards; Someone once set my hair on fire at a house party.

Karen is a proud Atlanta native who has the honor of managing our incredible team and beautiful space. Karen is the voice of the Village, developing the culture and resources needed to keep 300+ startups running strong. From spearheading strategic marketing initiatives, organizing events, and connecting with investors and sponsors, Karen strives to create a positive and supportive culture while promoting faster connections between ideas, capital, and talent. She is passionate about well crafted emails, paying it forward, and helping technology startups on their quest to change the world. Karen also loves Vanilla Ice lyrics, great wit, and podcasts.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: a photographer for National Geographic.
Two truths, one lie: I led adventure trips in Australia, founded a non-profit, and auditioned for American Idol.

Jewell was born and raised in Jakin, Ga, and graduated from Devry University with a degree in Technical Management and a concentration in Criminal Justice. Jewell is the MAN. And we mean that. He knows every Villager by face and name, and gives the best high fives. Jewell has been in the security industry for 9 years and works hard to keep our community safe. When he’s not wearing his badge, Jewell can be found in the Village gym upping his Fitbit stats, going to a Hawks game, or spending time with his daughter.

What I wanted to be when I grow up: Military Police
Two truths, one lie: I chased a criminal that was breaking into vehicles; I have a mean right jab, and I was a police officer for 6 months.

Kaitlyn was born in NJ but raised in GA. She attended Georgia Southern University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreation. Kaitlyn oversees our events team and event rentals at the Village- 400+ a year! She works hard, stays late, and is pretty much always the best dressed. Kaitlyn is someone who is always prepared, loves well, and will bring you baked goods… if she likes you. She is the keeper of the keys for the Village kegs, and can cut a mean rug at any party. Say “Hellooo!” next time you see her at a Village event!

What I wanted to be when I grew up: a veterinarian (actually it changed on a daily basis)
Two truths, one lie: I have had my motorcycle license since I was 18, I won a chicken dance competition on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore, and I came in first place in a pie eating competition, eating 15 pies in 5 minutes.

Julie is Kansan, born and raised! She grew up in a farm town where the population of cows outnumbered the population of humans, and traffic flowed through two total stoplights. While she was a small-town girl, she decided not to be a small-town woman and moved to central Florida to attend college. After some higher education, Julie pursued her career in the nonprofit world for 10 years before exploring entrepreneurship as an abstract artist and digital marketer. Currently, she is combining her heart for people, community, administration, creativity, and all around badass-ery as the Community Manager but you can still find her painting, listening to Celine Dion, and sipping a glass of Jam Jar’s sweet red shiraz every now and again.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: An Ethan Allen Design Consultant (I know…painfully specific)
Two Truths and a Lie: My childhood pet was a tarantula, I’m afraid of flying, I am a classically trained vocalist

Durantae is a charismatic number jumper from Ellenwood, GA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Georgia State University. He works in partnership with our Finance Director to help manage the books and finances for the Village and several Atlanta Venture startups. Durantae is currently working on his CPA and is a karaoke superstar. When not slinging lyrics or numbers, he can be found playing ping pong, and laughing… usually at other people’s serves.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: Travel Agent (because I thought they got to travel a lot )
Two truths, one lie: I dunked once when I was 16, I’m related to Ludacris, I was born in Dubai.

Kelly Anne was born and raised in Milton, GA and yes- she does have two first names. A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, she is the only roll tide in a sea of red and black in her household. As the Director of Programming, Kelly Anne is the genius behind our special programs that serve entrepreneurs. She runs our Mentor and Advisor Program, Startup Summer School, Intern Program, Leadership Development, solidifies partnerships, and much more. Kelly Anne is sharp as a tack and a natural relationship builder. Oh, and on a perfect night, she is sitting on a porch eating appetizers with good company.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: I wanted to save the rain forest.
2 Truths and a Lie:  I am a twin, I have bungeed at Victoria Falls, and once I ate monkey brains.

Dylan is from Conyers, GA and moved to Atlanta when he was 18 years old. He has created his own construction firm, and is the handiest man we have ever known. Dylan is scrappy, hard working, and loves to help Villagers. As our Facilities Manager, Dylan oversees all of the building and facility management of our 103,000 square foot building, and answers one million support tickets every day. He enjoys spending time with his family, trying new craft beers, and pretty much never stops working.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: an architect
Two truths, one lie: I am currently building a tiny house, owns 30 free range chickens, and can sew a button on any shirt.

Hilton grew up in Milton, GA and graduated from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO with a major in Marketing & Business Management. After graduating college, she became the Assistant Festival Director for the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia, MO where she managed social media and assisted in operations & logistics. She prides herself on being insanely organized & hard-working. She is a pro at multi-tasking and managing events of all sizes. Hilton loves music, her dog, and Parks & Rec.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: a veterinarian or a cowgirl.
Two Truths and a Lie: I went to college on a rodeo scholarship. I am learning how to play the piano. I have never been to Europe.

Irina grew up in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She moved to Atlanta in 2004. Irina graduated with a major in Political Science and minor in philosophy. After graduating college, she opened a yoga studio in Alpharetta and couple of year later opened yoga & barre studio in Atlanta. She is a pro at handstands and paying attention to the details. Irina loves the beach, her cat Buddha, and The Office.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: a psychologist.
Two Truths and a Lie: I used to breakdance in middle school. I studied French in college. I know how to juggle.

Daniel is a Brockton, Mass. native, which pretty much means he’s from Boston. Daniel moved to Atlanta in 2012 and never looked back. This guy is a vital member our of facilities team, assisting in all the things that keep this building up and running – be sure to give his a high five next time you see him around the building! In his free time Daniel enjoys spending time with his friends, working hard at his plumbing side hustle (insert plumbers crack joke here) and attending live concerts and sporting events.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: in the Navy
Two truths, one lie: I have my plumbing license, I am trained professional in Jiu Jitsu, and I played soccer against a professional soccer team.

Justin is a Georgia State University graduate and business savvy serial entrepreneur who incorporates culture, technology, and events in all of his endeavors. He bootstrapped and launched his own startup, and produces a variety of technical events in Atlanta’s startup community.

As our Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, Justin is committed to leading the way for honest and open conversations about how we can work together to support startups and organizations led by women and people of color. He runs our Pre-Accelerator Cohort and through events, education, and intentional opportunities, Justin helps the Village build a better community. That means an entire community with different skill sets, backgrounds, and cultures is needed to produce the most productive and innovative companies. #ItTakesAVillage 

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