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Social entrepreneur Ariana Shives has been appointed executive director of TechConnect West Virginia.

Kevin DiGregorio, TechConnect Board Chairman, said, “On behalf of the board of directors of TechConnect West Virginia, I am very pleased to announce that Ariana Shives has been chosen to lead TechConnect. Her deep background in entrepreneurship, extensive experience in technology, and relationships among our state’s education, innovation and economic development ecosystems make her a perfect fit.  Ariana brings a new perspective and fresh energy to our two-decades mission of boosting innovation and entrepreneurship across the state”

Ariana Shives

Shives began her career working at various technology startups in Los Angeles, California. She then co-founded Kairos Financial, a mission-driven fintech company, where she led product design.

Currently, Ariana serves as the Program Manager of the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub, a federally funded initiative aiming to position West Virginia as a leader in digital identity solutions. Additionally, she is the Founder and Design Director of Mastermind Media Works, a digital marketing agency.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this important position and I am excited to get to work,” said Shives. “TechConnect has played a foundational role in technology-based economic development in West Virginia for over two decades. I look forward to building on this momentum through supporting entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, and building on our state’s strengths in areas like advanced energy, biometrics, and biotechnology.”

Shives, who resides in Kenova, is actively involved in her community. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, Vice President for Community Impact for the Junior League of Huntington and is the appointed West Virginia Advocate for Right to Start, a non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to making entrepreneurship a civic priority and more accessible career path.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a master’s degree in social entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California.

For more information, contact Kevin DiGregorio at (304) 437-4295 or Ariana Shives at (507) 254-6970.

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ABOUT TECHCONNECT WEST VIRGINIA

TechConnect facilitates high-value technical assistance to West Virginia entrepreneurs engaged in technology-based ventures, playing a pivotal role in the state’s economic development. With support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the State of West Virginia, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, TechConnect has been instrumental in fostering innovation and driving technology-based economic growth across the region. The organization’s efforts have not only supported the launch of more than 91 new companies but have also been crucial in creating over 230 new jobs and retaining over 283 existing jobs. Through targeted initiatives, deep collaboration with other groups across WV, and hands-on support, TechConnect empowers entrepreneurs to transform their tech ideas into thriving businesses, contributing to the diversification and resilience of West Virginia’s economy. This commitment to advancing technology-based economic development ensures that West Virginia remains competitive in an increasingly digital world.