The most unique startup funding organization in the nation is adding new blood in the form of new management.
Arch Grants, the non profit that awards startups with $50,000 of equity free funding has added a new management team. Ginger Imster, CFRE, will be its new Executive Director and Ben Burke, VP of Young Entrepreneurs Across America, its Director of Operations.
From the press release: Imster brings to the organization nearly 16 years of experience working in an early stage organization, fundraising and providing external relations. For the last 13 years, she has served as Director of Development for City Academy, a social entrepreneurial model of education in north St. Louis, which started with a one-person staff. “We had over 180 applicants for the position, and we are pleased that Ginger has joined the Arch Grants team. She will be a great asset to the organization,” said Susan Elliott, Director and Head of the Arch Grants Search Committee. Jerry Schlichter, President, added: “Ginger has a demonstrated record of success. Her talents and experience leading the organization will help us build Arch Grants for the long run, and put St. Louis on the international map as a great place for entrepreneurs.” Imster has an established record of helping to grow City Academy from its early stage, and building relationships with foundations, corporate funders, community organizations, and other supporters. She will begin her duties at Arch Grants on December 1. Burke’s role as Director of Operations includes working on the Global Business Plan Competition through which Arch Grants provides grants of $50,000, plus a robust package of free support services to winning entrepreneurs and a chance for another $100,000. He will also work with the entrepreneurs, competition judges, pro bono service providers, and the Friends of Arch Grants, a group which assists the organization and Arch Grants entrepreneurs. Burke is an MBA candidate at the Olin School of Business at Washington University, and a long time participant with Young Entrepreneurs Across America. “Ben has tremendous energy and enthusiasm for our vision for Arch Grants,” adds Schlichter. “His entrepreneurial experience and leadership provide will be an asset for Arch Grants.”
