Director of AI & Venture Ecosystems, Office of the CTO @ Microsoft | Inaugural Director, Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies (CUA) | Startup & Venture Program Mentor

I’m a venture architect with 20+ years of experience in launching, nurturing, and scaling ventures across a diverse range of ecosystems: enterprise, deep tech, community-driven innovation, and social impact. In my role as Director of AI & Venture Ecosystems within the Strategic Programs and Communities team at Microsoft’s Office of the CTO, I design and lead cross-company initiatives that integrate innovation, product development, and community engagement to foster the next generation of groundbreaking technologies. Alongside my work at Microsoft, I serve as Inaugural Director at the Catholic University of America’s Leonine Institute of AI & Emerging Technologies, where I’m building an interdisciplinary hub that bridges research, venture creation, and Catholic intellectual tradition. Our focus is on preparing leaders to understand and respond to the profound implications of AI, while translating cutting-edge ideas into real-world impact through degree programs, fellowships, and ventures. With a multidisciplinary background as a full-stack developer, lawyer, entrepreneur, and venture builder, I bring a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational insight, and go-to-market expertise. I specialize in guiding highly technical teams and startups through the complex stages of growth, from inception to market leadership, while also advising corporate venture labs and studios on how to build sustainable innovation engines. Beyond my institutional roles, I actively mentor and invest in early-stage startups, helping founders transform bold ideas into reality. I contribute to networks like Conduit Venture Labs, Fizzy Ventures, Founder Institute, Swissnex, Microsoft for Startups, Forum Ventures, and Treehouse Studios. I’m passionate about collaborating with visionary leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through technology. If you’re one of them, let’s connect.