NIIC Names Interim CEO

The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center has appointed Ted Baker as interim president and chief executive officer. Baker, executive director and CEO of the Innovation Connector in Muncie, succeeds Karl LaPan, who announced in April he was stepping down.

The appointment will be effective July 1.
 
“Ted is extremely active and well-known in the incubation industry,” said The NIIC Board Chair Larry Rowland. “His broad service and affiliation with entrepreneurial organizations within Indiana and nationally, his knowledge of the ecosystem landscape, and his prior collaborative work with The NIIC make him exceptionally well-qualified to assume this role.”

While maintaining his responsibilities in Muncie, The NIIC says Baker will provide interim executive leadership services to the organization under a contractual agreement between the Innovation Connector and The NIIC.
 
“We support the Indiana entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Innovation Connector Board Chair Ronald Fauquher stated. “We have enjoyed a strong and collaborative relationship with The NIIC for the last 15 years. We are confident this arrangement provides quality and competent leadership while The NIIC searches for its CEO replacement. Ted is a capable and passionate champion of entrepreneurship and business incubation. He will get right to work to ensure continuity and stability during this important transition period.”

The NIIC says it expects the interim leadership agreement will last up to four months.