NexusLA CEO and President Genevieve Silverman Bids Farewell; Former Chairman Calvin Mills Jr. Will Step In

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BATON ROUGE — After 14 years of outstanding leadership at Nexus Louisiana, Genevieve Silverman is choosing to step away and direct her focus toward health and family. In her time as CEO and president, she has made her mark through continuous dedication and innovation. 
 
During her tenure, Silverman personally raised over $1 million in grant and sponsorship funding, and designed, launched or played a significant part in several major regional and statewide initiatives, including:
– Louisiana’s first statewide IT apprenticeship program, Apprenti Louisiana
– A statewide entrepreneurship program for the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the BizTech Challenge
– Baton Rouge’s first angel investor network, Red Stick Angels
– Baton Rouge’s first highly funded pitch competition, NexusLA High Stakes Pitch
– Baton Rouge’s first online platform for entrepreneurs, SourceLink
– Baton Rouge’s first seed capital fund, Innovation Catalyst
– Rebranding the Corporation to Nexus Louisiana

“We are very happy for Genevieve and her family as they begin this next chapter of their lives,” said Anita Tillman, NexusLA chairwoman. “Since her appointment as CEO, she has provided steady leadership. She rose to the challenge caused by the pandemic and navigated it with innovative programming and engagement that spurred growth at NexusLA. We are grateful for Genevieve’s dedication and 14 years of service to the state of Louisiana.”
 
“I greatly appreciate the opportunities provided to me by the Corporation and its Board over my career at NexusLA. I would especially like to thank all Board members who have provided ongoing mentorship and guidance to me,” said Genevieve Silverman. “I have enjoyed my time at NexusLA and am proud of our contributions to the tech communities in Baton Rouge and across the state of Louisiana. I believe new leadership will take NexusLA to even greater heights, and I am committed to providing a smooth leadership transition.”
 
Silverman’s presence will be missed at NexusLA, but the organization is in capable hands with Calvin Mills Jr. As the immediate past chairman of the board for Nexus, Mills will step in as a management consultant to oversee the day-to-day operations until a new CEO is hired. 
 
Mills has 10 years of experience with the NexusLA board, and is the founder, CEO and president of CMC Technology Solutions and HelpIT, Inc. He is an award-winning entrepreneur in the highly competitive IT arena and continues to inspire others with his empathy and determination.
 
“We’re fortunate to have Calvin lend his time and expertise to maintain stability and a strong leadership presence at NexusLA during this transition,” Tillman said. “Over the years he has had a 360-degree view of NexusLA as a client, board member, and chairman. Along with his entrepreneurial acumen, Calvin is well prepared to manage the organization and the board and staff look forward to working with him.”
 
As the NexusLA community continues its work and mission under Mills’ oversight, it expresses gratitude for the leadership and inspiration Genevieve Silverman has brought to the organization. Silverman’s last day at NexusLA is June 24.
 
 
About Nexus Louisiana
Nexus Louisiana is a Baton Rouge-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides high-potential, technology-enabled companies the coaching, capital, and connections they need to accelerate their growth. 
 
 
Media Contact:
Na’Tisha Natt
(225) 408-5018
natisha@nexusla.org

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