Domi Names New Executive Director

To our friends, partners, and members--thank you all for your support as we have waded through a time of transition. We are excited to announce some important news. After interviewing candidates from across the Southeast, our Board of Directors has selected Antonio Montoya to lead Domi forward as our new Executive Director. Antonio and his family will relocate to Tallahassee from Huntsville, Alabama, a significant decision that we feel speaks both to Antonio’s commitment and the attractive energy of our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

There is so much momentum right now--if you haven't had a chance to read our look back on all that's happened over the last few years, please give it a read here. Antonio will work with Domi's team, Board of Directors, and members to build on the foundation that has been laid. 

“I am very excited to join Domi's team and continue the great work started by Micah and Lucas," said Montoya. "I believe that Tallahassee is well on its way to create a truly inclusive and diverse startup community, I see Domi as a key catalyst for it, and I can’t wait to add to this effort leveraging Domi’s resources as a convener, incubator, and accelerator."

Antonio did not just meet the qualifications our Board of Directors were searching for in a new Executive Director--he exceeded them. Montoya last served as Executive Director of HuntsvilleWest, a high-impact coworking space serving the greater Huntsville area. Prior to HuntsvilleWest, Montoya made significant contributions to the growth of the startup ecosystem in North Alabama launching a broad range of initiatives under the Rocket Hatch umbrella, a non-profit entrepreneur support organization he co-founded. 

He has also supported state and national efforts including Alabama Launchpad and the SXSW Accelerator, and is a member of the Startup Champions Network, a national organization focused on innovation ecosystem building. Prior to Rocket Hatch, Montoya held executive positions at several global technology companies and has been involved in multiple startup ventures since his college days. 

David Lawson, the Chair of Domi’s Board, was impressed by Antonio’s deep background in tech, business development, and building a startup community in another midsize Southeast city. 

“Antonio leaves Huntsville with a legacy of spurring growth and excitement around entrepreneurship,” Lawson said. “Everyone speaks highly of his integrity and hard work, and now we have the opportunity to incorporate his experience, network, and vision into the next phase of Tallahassee’s development.”

Our incoming leader will hit the ground running over the next few weeks, officially taking over the role of Executive Director on April 1st. This timeline leaves our team multiple months of crossover before Lucas departs for Phoenix in late June. 

“Antonio brings a wealth of executive experience particularly in the areas of startup incubation and coworking," said Jake Kiker, Domi Co-Founder and Board Vice-Chair. “Most importantly, Antonio shares our vision of a collaborative approach to growth by leveraging all local and regional players, and connecting us and our members at the national level.”  
 

Please join everyone at Domi Station in welcoming Antonio and Ana to our community! To find out a little more about their impressive work in Huntsville, click here!