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Krista Covey
President of First Flight Venture Center and Hangar6 in RTP North Carolina
Krista Covey is a dynamic professional with a deep-rooted passion for serving high-impact entrepreneurial ventures and helping them achieve success.
With a diverse background in banking, finance, business incubation, and strategic management, Krista has played pivotal roles in building and leading award-winning innovation hubs in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas.
As an entrepreneur herself, Krista successfully grew her finance business, which later had a profitable exit, and has actively contributed to various startup boards.
Krista holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing from Southeastern University and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Organizational Leadership from Saint Leo University.
She is a certified Business Incubator Manager with the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) and currently serves as the Chair of the InBIA Executive Board of Directors.
Krista's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is further evident in her involvement with the Startup Champions Network and her commitment to breaking barriers for entrepreneurs to drive long-term change.
She is a sought-after speaker on topics like business innovation, technology transfer, economic development, funding mechanisms, and mentoring programs aimed at transforming ideas into profitable ventures that positively impact local communities.
Krista has held various key positions in prestigious organizations such as President at First Flight Venture Center, Managing Partner at Edison Max, and VP Commercial Lending at SunTrust Bank, among others.
Her extensive experience includes roles like Chair Economic Development Council, Managing Director of business incubators, and Vice President of Economic Development, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in nurturing businesses at different stages of growth.