The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) has hired Miller Girvin to serve as Executive Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She will take the position in January 2021. According to their website, the EDPA ” is a private non-profit organization funded by more than 60 Alabama companies, whose mission is to attract and retain world-class talent across a broad spectrum of interests and industries, support and inspire both industry and innovative/emerging companies whether home-grown or transplanted, expand existing businesses, and be the trusted source for data and insights for key economic drivers and stakeholders for Alabama economic development.” Their website lists Alabama Power, Regions Bank, and Verizon as some of the many supporting organizations.
Girvin is leaving her role as CEO of the Alabama Capital Network (ACN), a community engagement group she helped found in 2017. The Group’s mission is to support Alabama’s startup ecosystem, and she led ACN efforts to connect startups to capital networks, mentoring from successful entrepreneurs, and access to prospective customers. Her leadership and ability to promote innovation and assistance to Alabama’s entrepreneurial and startup community led Gov. Kay Ivey to name her as one of 15 members of the Alabama Innovation Commission.
“My work at ACN has provided me with a unique perspective into our innovation ecosystem,” Girvin stated. “After years of working with entrepreneurs, investors, and policy-makers I have some very clear and targeted ideas on how we can continue to accelerate our entrepreneurial growth. I am excited to join EDPA to support and expand the already successful programs driving innovation in Alabama.”
EDPA President Greg Barker said in a statement, “Miller joining EDPA will enable us to continue to elevate our work to support innovators and entrepreneurs throughout the State as we further position Alabama as an innovation hub. Her experience connecting early-stage entrepreneurs and investors for our state will be a vital asset to EDPA and the entire economic development community in Alabama.”
