Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced Monday that Margaret Dolan, president and CEO of Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN), will step down from her role and return to the private sector.

The LaunchTN board of directors has appointed Van Tucker as interim CEO effective July 1. Ms. Tucker currently serves as chief operating officer.

LaunchTN, a public-private partnership, is guided by a vision of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation. Ms. Dolan, who became LaunchTN president and CEO in Oct. 2018, will depart at the end of the month to lead an early stage company that is focused on innovations in impact investing.

“Margaret has made an enormous impact on LaunchTN during her time as president and CEO, and we are grateful for her partnership,” Commissioner Rolfe said. “Tennessee’s entrepreneurial landscape is thriving because of the work of LaunchTN, and we know this will continue under Van’s leadership.”

Under Ms. Dolan’s leadership, LaunchTN has empowered a high-functioning network of resources focused on core priorities that support Tennessee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Most recently, the Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform created and maintained by LaunchTN, was launched to support intake, screening and initial evaluation of potential state suppliers of high-priority goods, solutions, services and capabilities, particularly as it pertains to COVID-19 needs.

“LaunchTN, anchored by a strong board of directors, serves a critical purpose for the state of Tennessee,” Ms. Dolan said. “I'm honored to have had the opportunity to work collaboratively to build a strategic plan, a fully integrated and authentic network of partners and a team that is well equipped to accelerate our progress. Van Tucker is an extraordinary leader and has been my valued partner in this work. I am gratified that she steps into this role and believe the future is bright for LaunchTN.”

Following the growth seen with Ms. Dolan’s leadership, LaunchTN will continue to build on its vision as Ms. Tucker assumes responsibilities.

"Margaret and I share a passion for building ecosystems that allow for accessible economic prosperity for all,” Ms. Tucker said. “Working with her has been such a rewarding learning experience. She is a treasure in our community and she will be missed at LaunchTN. We are excited to begin the next chapter of LaunchTN and take great comfort to know that Margaret will not be far as she continues her life’s work of improved community impact.”