Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Huntsville technology executive and entrepreneur Danny Windham to the board of directors of Innovate Alabama, adding one of North Alabama’s most prominent business and innovation leaders to the state’s entrepreneurship-focused organization.
Windham will fill a vacancy on the 11-member board that helps guide Innovate Alabama’s efforts to support startups, technology development and small business growth across the state.
A longtime leader in Alabama’s technology sector, Windham currently serves as chief operating officer of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. During his career, he has also served as CEO of Digium and president and chief operating officer of ADTRAN. He has remained active in Alabama’s startup community as an investor, mentor and board member.
“Innovate Alabama gives the state another tool to keep a competitive edge,” Gov. Kay 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 was created as the state’s first public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. The organization works to connect founders and startups with funding, resources and support aimed at growing Alabama’s innovation economy.
“Danny brings a rare combination of operator experience, founder perspective and a deep commitment to Alabama’s innovation community,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “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.”
Windham said he looks forward to helping advance the organization’s mission.
“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.”
His appointment fills one of two current vacancies on the board. He joins a group of business and innovation leaders charged with helping guide the organization’s strategy and efforts to strengthen Alabama’s economy through technology, entrepreneurship and small business development.
Founded following recommendations from the Alabama Innovation Commission, Innovate Alabama works to advance policies and programs designed to attract investment, encourage innovation and support startup growth throughout the state.
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