"It’s rare that a dream to build high-impact entrepreneur ecosystems and drive economic vitality come together through a leadership position in a unique incubator setting such as First Flight Venture Center.  I intend to leverage my background as an entrepreneur and with innovation hubs and finance to advance the growth and commercialization of early-stage companies and look forward to joining the innovation community in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.” said Krista Covey, President, First Flight Venture Center.  

Research Triangle Park, NC, April 22, 2020 -- First Flight Venture Center (First Flight), North Carolina’s premier science-focused startup incubator, announced that its Board of Directors has selected  Krista Marie Covey  as the new First Flight President, effective May 18 th , 2020.

Even in the midst of the current daunting health and economic crisis, First Flight is looking ahead to build upon its vision and infrastructure to support the next generation of scientist inventors and entrepreneurs. Krista’s depth of experience in supporting the growth of early stage companies at award-winning innovation hubs in Texas and Florida, combined with an extensive background in banking and finance creates the perfect storm to launch new initiatives and programmatic breakthroughs for support to early stage companies.  

Krista’s role on the Board of Directors of the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) adds an additional dimension to the robust “tool kit” she brings to the table to reduce barriers and expand resources for science-focused companies at their most vulnerable stages. 

First Flight Board Chair Mary Musacchia says, "The Board is thrilled to welcome Krista to lead the First Flight team and to inject her own brand of leadership into the innovation ecosystem. This decision by our Board is key to our future and critical to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region. After a nationwide search, we felt that Krista’s personal experience as an entrepreneur who founded and successfully exited her own company combined with her leadership experience with incubators in other states brings new energy and creativity to First Flight and the Research Triangle. The recognition by her peers nationally in selecting her to serve as the Vice-Chair of InBIA’s Board, her track record with economic development and innovation hubs, combined with her energy, creativity and MORE…made Krista a natural choice as our next President.”  

Key First Flight partners have weighed in on this important news. “The Research Triangle Foundation is excited to welcome Krista to our innovative region to lead First Flight and its numerous initiatives.  First Flight’s entrepreneurial platform is a key ingredient in the Triangle Region’s magic sauce. We are excited to pursue new partnerships among First Flight, the Foundation and other members of the RTP community to enhance home-grown companies’ success.  Locally grown companies supported by a robust VC community are the real foundation for our regional business platform.” Scott Levitan, CEO & President, Research Triangle Foundation.

Please join First Flight in welcoming Krista when she officially starts on May 18 th . We will be scheduling a virtual “introduction” in early June with an in-person gathering in the fall.