Elizabeth Hay
State College,PA
Summary
Visionary leader and advocate for entrepreneurship, community engagement, and women’s empowerment. As the Director of Happy Valley LaunchBox, I lead an organization that supports over 500 startup ideas each year, accelerating 75 Penn State-affiliated ventures annually and providing students and emerging entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive. Known for strategic insight, I design and manage programs that uplift women in business, foster innovation, and build an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem across Pennsylvania. With a successful track record in fundraising, including securing $2M in endowments and establishing my role as a permanently endowed position, I am dedicated to initiatives that drive social impact, resilience, and long-term growth in our community.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Jack White Family Director
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank
01.2022 - Current
- Lead and manage the strategic direction of Happy Valley LaunchBox, consulting with over 500 startup ideas and accelerating 75 new ventures from Penn State each year
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts, successfully securing $2M in endowments, resulting in my role becoming a permanently endowed position
- Teach over 50 entrepreneurship workshops annually for Penn State students and community members, nurturing critical entrepreneurial skills
- Developed and scaled multiple accelerator programs, doubling participant size each year to expand reach and impact
- Established W.E.Connect, a sold-out, day-long conference for women in business, creating a networking and mentorship platform that strengthens community ties and inspires leadership
- Host and manage pitch contests, providing platforms for entrepreneurial visibility and investor engagement
- Idea Foundations in Design Thinking Training and Certification: Designed and delivered foundational design thinking training, earning certification to guide students and entrepreneurs in innovative problem-solving methods
- Curate and lead social impact programs that align entrepreneurial goals with community benefits, supporting inclusive economic development
- Oversee and report on key performance metrics to assess program success, maintain strategic focus, and ensure impact
- Mentor and guide a team of startup consultants and interns, fostering a supportive, growth-oriented environment
Co-Founder & COO
TechKnowServ Corp
01.2011 - Current
- Provide strategic and operational leadership in areas such as HR, payroll, client relations, and financial management, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations
- Raised significant investment capital to fuel company growth, enhance service offerings, and expand client relationships globally
- Grew client base to over 800 clients worldwide, resulting in consistent annual revenue growth and expanded market presence
- Developed and led ASNT-approved Nondestructive Testing (NDT) training and certification programs, recognized for quality and compliance
- Managed Defense Contract Accounting, ensuring accurate financial oversight and compliance with SBIR contracts (3 Phase I and 1 Phase II grants)
- Maintained long-term client relationships through high-quality service and efficient operational strategies, driving sustained organizational success
Business Consultant
Penn State Small Business Development Center
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Advised over 500 small businesses on planning, financial management, loan packaging, marketing, and technical support to stimulate growth
- Designed and delivered numerous short courses, including SBIR/STTR R&D Business Lab, QuickBooks Online training, and a 90-day resilience program for pandemic recovery
- Worked closely with state economic development initiatives, leveraging state and pandemic funding to support business resilience and growth
- Recognized as a QuickBooks Pro-Advisor, providing expert guidance and training to small business clients
R&D Program Manager
WavesInSolid LLC
01.2004 - 01.2018
- Compiled and analyzed financial reports on cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable/receivable, and profits and losses
- Specialized in SBIR contract compliance for defense, ensuring financial accuracy and alignment with government standards
Education
MBA - Management of Organizations
Penn State University
University Park, PA08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Minor in eMarketing and French
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01.2004
Skills
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation Development
- Program Design for Women’s Empowerment
- Leadership in Women’s Initiatives
- Strategic & Financial Management
- Fundraising & Grant Proposal Writing
- Social Impact & Community Engagement
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
- Training & Curriculum Development
- Research & Analytical Reporting
Additionalinformation
- QuickBooks Pro-Advisor, Experienced instructor and user with extensive knowledge of accounting software for small businesses.
- Courses Developed, Created and delivered educational programs focused on resilience, funding, and strategic planning, tailored to the needs of small business owners.
Awards
- 2024 Athena Leadership Award, Centre County Chamber of Business and Industry, Internationally recognized award, honoring exemplary leadership by women in the workplace and community; sole recipient in local community.
- 2024 Top 50 Women in Central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Business Central
- 2021 State Star Award, PASBDC, Recognizes high client satisfaction and statewide contributions.
Professionalleadershipandcommunityengagement
- Board Memberships, Active in various local business and networking boards in Central Pennsylvania.
- President, WiNGs Women Networking Association, Central PA, 2018, 2023
- Committee Member, PA SBDC Growth, Angel Investor, eCourse Design Committees
- Judge, Business of Science Bootcamp (2022-2023), INC U Competition (2020-2021), Techcelerator Ben Franklin (2020), Ag Choice BizMasters Pitch Competition, Penn State Engineering Entrepreneurship (2023-2024), Nittany AI Challenge (2024)
- Guest Speaker, Women In Tech Conference, ASBDC National Conference (2021), PASBDC Growth Conference (2022), Penn State Conference for Entrepreneurship Educators (2024), Boots 2 Business for Veteran Business Owners (2024)
Timeline
Jack White Family Director
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank
01.2022 - Current
Business Consultant
Penn State Small Business Development Center
01.2019 - 01.2022
Co-Founder & COO
TechKnowServ Corp
01.2011 - Current
R&D Program Manager
WavesInSolid LLC
01.2004 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Minor in eMarketing and French
University of Central Florida
MBA - Management of Organizations
Penn State University
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