The Maryland Innovation Center has named Patricia “Patty” Simonton as executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship.
A stalwart of the state’s innovation ecosystem, Simonton calls herself a “conscious capitalist” on her LinkedIn profile and X (formerly Twitter) handle. She was previously the strategic initiatives manager for the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp., where she helped streamline the entrepreneurial journey for local businesses.
“With her extensive experience in startups and social entrepreneurship, Patty brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our organization,” MIC said in a press release and blog post.
Startup Mentor
In a LinkedIn post, MIC hailed Simonton’s dedication to Maryland’s innovation ecosystem. “As a long-time mentor and former community manager for the Mentor Capital Network, she’s deeply invested in supporting entrepreneurs,” it said.
Simonton will head MIC’s operations, as well as entrepreneurship economic development. MIC runs three programs — HealthTech, Cyber and CyberAg, or cyber for agriculture, and Women in Tech. It operates a 60,000-square-feet facility located between Baltimore and Washington D.C.
“I want to lift up and highlight Patty Simonton, and congratulate her on her appointment,” Tom Jones, founder and managing principal of TBJ Investments, said in a LinkedIn post. “I serve with Patty on the board of the Maryland Business Innovation Association (MBIA), and am in awe of her tireless efforts to take Maryland to the next level as an innovation ecosystem.”
‘Entrepreneurship Development Professional’
An alumnus of Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, Simonton last month was named Entrepreneurship Development Professional by the International Economic Development Council. The EDP program is supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Simonton was one of seven who passed a rigorous examination process, proving her expertise in critical areas such as entrepreneurship-led economic development, growth acceleration strategies, neighborhood revitalization, and tech-driven economic growth, the council said.
Besides an undergraduate degree in International Business from Georgetown University, she has earned certificates in Entrepreneurship Center Management from the International Business Innovation Association, and Impact Measurement and Management for Sustainable Development Goals from Duke University.
Her career achievements include the Be Green Business program at Bethesda Green, where she guided the Innovation Lab to federal recognition as an entrepreneurship support program. She has also been associated with the Coralus community, focusing on investing in women and non-binary entrepreneurs tackling global challenges.
