The Northwest Entrepreneur Network today named Daniel Rossi as its new executive director, succeeding Rebecca Lovell, who joined GeekWire as chief business officer earlier this month. Rossi, who earned an MBA from the University of Washington last year and co-founded Seattle startup Nanocel, will join NWEN on June 1, when Lovell will transition to a full-time role at GeekWire.
Rossi, 33, is looking to draw on his entrepreneurial roots to bolster the non-profit organization. In fact, Rossi says he experienced the benefits of NWEN first-hand in his role at Nanocel.
“I know exactly what other startups are dealing with out there. I’ve been coached and mentored by some of Seattle’s best educators and entrepreneurs,” Rossi says. “And I look forward to bringing my knowledge of the process to my new position.”
Lovell helped grow the organization’s membership base and event programming during her two years, and she will remain involved as a board member. Rossi noted Lovell’s accomplishments, saying that he “won’t fix what isn’t broken.” But Rossi, who previously worked as an account executive at The Seattle Times, sees opportunities to expand on some of that success.
Shannon Swift, current NWEN board chair, said that Rossi is an ideal fit given his passion for the Seattle entrepreneurial community.
“Not only does Daniel fit the bill, but he also brings valuable lessons learned as an entrepreneur for the past several years,” Swift said.
Added Lovell: “The organization is in great hands, and I very much look forward to GeekWire and NWEN partnerships moving forward.”
