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.

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.

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.

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

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.

India Hayes is an alumna of Savannah College of Art and Design and holds a BFA in Graphic Design. Upon graduation, Hayes worked for organizations like the CDC, Turner Sports and CNN before finding a home at Atlanta Tech Village as their It Takes A Village Pre-Accelerator Program Manager.  Hayes knows the importance of clear, effective communication and sustainable efforts. That is why she utilizes her design skills whenever she can for social good and sustainability. She has assisted water aide organizations with tech of social good in places as far as Nicaragua, and participated in hackathons right within her (now) home base of Georgia. In 2017, she founded a tech start up Mini City (2018 Startup Awards Nominee for Best Social Good Start Up, 2019 Startup Runway Winner); that utilizes ethical tech and sustainable design to alleviate homelessness.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: A Gallery Owner

Two truths, one lie: I hiked a dormant volcano in Mexico with no hiking gear, I hiked Machu Picchu after it rained with no hiking gear; the lil’ brown spot on the side of my mouth is from a childhood accident when I tried to “eat fire”

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.

Andrew was raised in good ole’ Loganville, GA. He played soccer at Darton College and then at Kennesaw State University where he earned a degree in business management. Andrew then turned his internship at a local coffee shop into a coffee career, and has now launched four different coffee shops around Atlanta including our beloved Kula Coffee Co as our Coffee Shop Manager. Andrew loves drinking coffee but even more so has a passion for leading people, developing culture, and connecting with guests. Outside of the village you can find him sipping on a beverage (any kind really), enjoying the outdoors, or watching a movie.

What I wanted to be when I grew up: Marine Biologist

Two truths and a lie: I haven’t seen my face in 10 years, I hiked my first fourteener in Colorado…SOLO, I was a whitewater rafting guide on the Zambezi River for a summer.