Our Leadership Team

  • Julie Adkins

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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  • Josh Barker

    FORGE MENTOR LEAD
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  • Ellie Batts

    MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
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Our Board of Directors

  • Jon VerLee

    BOARD CHAIR
    STARTUP GARAGE FOUNDER
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    Jon VerLee brings a deep passion for the earliest moments of entrepreneurship, especially when an idea becomes real through a founder’s very first dollar earned.

  • Ben Ipema

    TREASURER
    CLARITY FINANCIAL
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    Ben Ipema is passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing wisdom, lessons learned, and a collaborative spirit.

  • Dana Roefer

    SECRETARY
    FAITH DRIVEN ENTREPRENEUR
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    Dana Roefer brings a heart for strengthening the ecosystem of faith‑driven businesses and advancing organizations built on a Biblical foundation.

  • Dave Johnson

    NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION
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    Dave Johnson walks alongside founders through meaningful, relational, small‑group learning environments and models humility through lifelong learning.

  • Fallon McMurray

    GRACE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
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    Fallon McMurray is dedicated to equipping college students to explore the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship and inspiring future founders to step into their calling.

  • Jeshua Lauka

    Jeshua Lauka
    LIGHTSTONE LAW
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    Jeshua Lauka is committed to meeting entrepreneurs at the very beginning of their journey while strengthening Startup Garage through servant leadership and corporate governance expertise.

  • Zach Booker

    CARLEW CAPITAL
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    Zach Booker believes entrepreneurship is about becoming who God created you to be and brings a strong heart for community, personal growth, and purpose‑driven leadership.