Connect names Marshall Fritz as Director of Tech and Defense to drive innovation and capital pathways
San Diego, CA — April 13th — Connect, a nonprofit organization supporting San Diego’s innovation ecosystem for more than 40 years, announced the appointment of Marshall Fritz as director of tech and defense. “Marshall brings a strong combination of technical expertise, venture experience and relationship building that is critical to the future of San Diego’s […]
Connect celebrates Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey as they advance to next chapters
SAN DIEGO – April 9, 2026 – Connect, a nonprofit organization supporting San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, announced the departure of team members Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey, recognizing their contributions to the organization and the region’s growing community of founders, innovators and industry leaders. “At Connect, we’re not just building companies. We are also a […]
Connect Names Kiana Miyamoto as Director of Life Sciences to Accelerate Founders and Ecosystem
SAN DIEGO – March 31, 2026 – Connect, the premier nonprofit organization powering San Diego’s innovation ecosystem for more than 40 years, announces the appointment of Kiana Miyamoto, MPH, PhD, as Director of Life Sciences. “Kiana represents the next generation of life sciences innovation leadership,” said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. “She understands not only […]
Connect Promotes Dr. Petra Stegmann as Head of Entrepreneurial Programs
SAN DIEGO, December 17, 2025 – Connect, the nonprofit organization that has served as a trusted partner to San Diego’s innovation community for 40 years, today announced the promotion of Dr. Petra Stegmann as Head of Entrepreneurial Programs. Dr. Stegmann has been with Connect since 2011, serving in a range of roles that have supported founders across […]
Connect Strengthens Leadership Team with Promotion of Cait Kelly to Chief Strategy Officer
SAN DIEGO, December 1, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today that Cait Kelly has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer and will join the executive leadership team as the organization advances its ongoing growth and […]
Introducing: Lizbeth Dargi
Meet the team! Lizbeth Dargi👋 Creating spaces where meaningful relationships form. Let’s Connect I’m excited to join Connect as the Partnerships & Events Manager and support the founders, builders, and partners who are pushing bold ideas forward across San Diego. Continuous learning has always guided me. While studying International Relations at the Autonomous University of […]
Connect Appoints Tre Braquet as Chief Brand & Engagement Officer
SAN DIEGO, October 13, 2025 — Connect, a premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today that Tre Braquet has been named Chief Brand & Engagement Officer. In this role, Braquet will oversee Connect’s brand strategy, communications, and community engagement initiatives. […]
Connect Names Gretel von Son as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Growth in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
SAN DIEGO, September 22, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and cultivating thriving life science and technology communities, announced today the appointment of Gretel von Son as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she will oversee operations and strategy, with a focus on scaling impact, […]
Connect Appoints James Zanewicz as Chief Executive Officer to Shape the Next Chapter of Innovation Growth
SAN DIEGO, August 4, 2025 — Connect, the premier nonprofit organization in the San Diego innovation ecosystem established 40 years ago to cultivate life science and tech innovation communities, today announced the appointment of James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, as Chief Executive Officer. “As we considered candidates to lead Connect into its next chapter, James […]
Introducing: Daniela Gama
Meet the team! Daniela Gama👋 Data Driven. Mission-Minded. Community-Focused. Let’s Connect Daniela Gama brings a sharp analytical mindset and a deep sense of purpose to her work at Connect. A graduate of UC San Diego with a B.S. in Business Economics and minors in Marketing and Cognitive Science, Daniela blends academic insight with real-world experience […]
