Announcing our new CEO...
On behalf of the The RAIN Catalysts Board of Directors, we are excited to announce our new Chief Executive Officer: Rachel Jagoda Brunette
Rachel brings with her over two decades of experience across philanthropy, non-profit, innovation, and governmental sectors.
As previously communicated, I am stepping down as CEO and transitioning to a role where I will continue to contribute my expertise to special projects (Capital Access, Pakistan, and the Economic Recovery Corps) within the organization and supporting Rachel in her transition into the CEO role.
I am thrilled that Rachel has been chosen by the board as my successor. We have collaborated in the past during her tenure with The Lemelson Foundation team. During that time, she not only contributed to funding our programs but also collaborated with the RAIN Catalysts' team on organizing Innovation Convenings across Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties in Oregon. Her work involved exploring the strengths and gaps within Oregon's South Willamette Valley's innovation ecosystem. Consequently, she possesses a deep understanding of our unique inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem-building model and our entrepreneur- and community-led support we provide to underrepresented entrepreneurs and innovators.
In her new role, Rachel will spearhead RAIN Catalysts' mission to cultivate inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, ensuring that innovation thrives within a multitude of diverse communities.
“Entrepreneurship and innovation are the economic engine of our communities. I’m honored to be stepping into this role to continue RAIN Catalysts’ work to ensure that all communities–especially rural and underserved populations–are able to enjoy economic opportunity and prosperity driven by enterprise creation and growth.”
– Rachel Jagoda Brunette
“RAIN Catalysts plays an essential role in creating economic opportunity for underserved communities through connecting resources to prospective innovators and entrepreneurs and building supportive environments for small and growing businesses to flourish. Rachel’s extensive experience in cultivating and activating robust ecosystems will lead the organization to even greater impact and growth.”
– Juan Barraza, Board President | RAIN Catalysts
Rachel previously led The Lemelson Foundation’s regional ecosystem initiative, catalyzing programs to support inventors and invention-based enterprises across Oregon. Notably, her achievements include the establishment of the InventOR program in collaboration with Portland State University and Business Oregon, empowering collegiate inventors statewide. Prior to her impactful tenure in Oregon, Rachel served as a key staff member on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology.
Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Georgetown University and a master’s in political management from The George Washington University.
Rachel is set to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer starting March 18th and I will shift to my role as a Special Projects Contractor. I am excited to work with Rachel and continue serving entrepreneurs and innovators who are overlooked and underestimated.
Rachel's email: [email protected]
🦋 A special thank you to my incredible Executive Board for leading a thoughtful search process to ensure we hired the right next leader to take RAIN Catalysts to the next level! Much gratitude to:
Juan Barraza, President
Katrina Hull, Vice President
Robert Gable, Secretary
Artees Vannett, Treasurer
Sincerely,
