Governor Kay Ivey this week appointed Huntsville-based technology executive and entrepreneur Danny Windham to the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors, filling a vacancy on the 11-member board.
Windham brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the technology and innovation sectors, including serving as chief operating officer of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. He also has served as CEO of Digium and president and chief operating officer of Adtran.
Windham also has been involved in Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a mentor, investor and board member supporting startup growth, according to a Tuesday press release from Innovate Alabama.
“Innovate Alabama gives the state another tool to keep a competitive edge,” Ivey said. “Its board is designed to meet this moment and the next chapter ahead for Alabama’s economy. Danny Windham’s experience and leadership will help shape our strategic direction and ensure we are creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed across Alabama.”
Innovate Alabama, Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, said it supports founders and connects entrepreneurs with resources to help them grow. The organization said Windham’s experience as an operator and mentor aligns closely with that mission.
“Danny brings a rare combination of operator experience, founder perspective and a deep commitment to Alabama’s innovation community,” Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield said. “He has spent his career building companies and supporting entrepreneurs, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem across Alabama.”
Innovate Alabama said Windham’s experience as a company builder and board leader positions him to contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.
“I have a great deal of respect for the work Innovate Alabama is doing to support entrepreneurs across the state,” Windham said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the board and leadership team to help strengthen the innovation ecosystem and create more opportunities for founders to grow and succeed here at home.”
Windham’s appointment fills one of two current vacancies on the board.
