Temi Bova, a former marketing manager for General Electric, has been named the executive director of U-Start, the business incubator associated with Union College.
Bova replaces Jon C. Lemelin, who stepped down last month to accept an expanded role at the Graduate College of Union University.
“We are delighted that Temi has decided to accept this position,'' said Walter L. Robb, co-chairman of the U-Start Board of Directors and retired senior vice president at G.E. “She brings a wealth of experience and energy to this critical post, and we look forward to her leadership.''
Bova, 44, led the global integration of all marketing communications, branding and media relations at GE Advanced Materials Plastics business in Pittsfield, Mass. for three years. Previously, she worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., where she provided strategic marketing and communications support to the Schools of Engineering, Science and Management.
“I want to create an environment that is encouraging of ideas and entrepreneurship,'' said Bova, who officially took over Feb. 1. “I'm anxious to develop a program that will produce successful graduates and businesses that will contribute to the community.''
Bova grew up in Albany. She received her bachelor's degree in classics/economics from Wheaton College in Norton, Mass. and her masters in business administration from RPI. She and her husband John live in Colonie.
U-Start was created in July 1999 to help fledgling high-tech companies by providing space, technical assistance and other resources. Since its inception, it has graduated two companies who moved into their own space.
U-Start operates in two converted Victorian homes at 2 & 4 Nott Terrace in Schenectady, across from the Union campus. Each building has six suites, a conference room and a kitchen.