Startup Virginia (SVA) announced it has hired the first two members of its senior leadership team. Bryan Bostic, will serve as interim Executive Director and Richard Wintsch will serve in a senior leadership role focusing on programs and engagement.

Mr. Bostic currently serves on Startup Virginia's Board of Directors and has been part of the search for an Executive Director. "We had a number of candidates with wonderful attributes, but no one had exactly the right mix of attributes," said Brad Cummings, founding Board member and head of the Executive Director search. "With this role being so pivotal - being the very first Executive Director of SVA - we didn't want anything short of perfect. We are therefore beginning a national search for our ongoing Executive Director. In the interim, founding Board member Bryan Bostic has graciously offered to step in as SVA's interim Executive Director. I can't think of a more well-suited person for the role as Bryan is not only a multiple-time entrepreneur but also has been a force in shaping our Richmond startup ecosystem." Bostic will see SVA through the hire and move back to his Board and mentor roles at that point.

Richard Wintsch will join SVA's senior leadership team after serving more than 14 years at ChamberRVA, most recently as Vice President of Leadership Programs. In his new role Richard will focus on creating strong programming for Richmond's local entrepreneurial community while helping the SVA Board launch its incubation space in partnership with Capital One in Shockoe Bottom.

"While finding an Executive Director has been challenging, this decision to make Richard part of SVA's leadership team was easy," said Cummings. "He is the ideal candidate to serve as a liaison between Startup Virginia, the growing companies it supports and the community. Richard's experience will allow him to put programs and resources in place to educate startups and potential investors alike, thus enhancing the likelihood of success for our start-up founders."

Based in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom, Startup Virginia is a new business incubator dedicated to providing best in class offerings, including programs, mentors, workspace and investments, for high-growth companies. For additional information visit startupvirginia.org