Vance Brown

Vance Brown has had a diverse range of work experiences throughout their career. Vance is currently the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Exponential Impact, a non-profit accelerator/incubator for startups. In 2020, they also took on the role of CEO Coach and Advisor at Thrivers Leadership Institute, where they mentor and coaches business leaders and entrepreneurs. In 2021, they became the Co-Executive Director of the Thrivers Foundation, which funds innovative approaches in education to empower youth in the Pikes Peak region.

Prior to these roles, Vance co-founded and served as Chairman of Bear Trap Ranch - Foundation of the Heart, a non-profit organization that provides retreats for other non-profits. Vance was also the President and CEO of the National Cybersecurity Center from 2017 to 2020, where they played a key role in establishing the organization and managing the Space ISAC.

Earlier in their career, Vance co-founded and served as CEO of Cherwell Software, a leading global provider of enterprise IT Service Management software. Vance was also a co-founder and past board member of The Classical Academy High School, the largest charter school in Colorado.

Before their involvement with Exponential Impact, Vance held roles such as Vice President of Business Development and General Counsel at Skyline Products, where they managed the legal department and led business development efforts. Vance also served as President and CEO of GoldMine Software, where they led the company to become one of the top 100 software companies in the United States.

Vance's career began with the co-founding and CEO position at Buildsoft, where they gained early experience in business leadership.

Vance Brown obtained their Bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, in Economics and Computer Science from Wake Forest University from 1981 to 1985. Vance then pursued their Juris Doctor with Honors in Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1985 to 1988. Additionally, Vance Brown has obtained several certifications throughout their career. In 2014, they became ITIL Foundation Certified from ITIL Certified. In 2019, they completed a certification program on Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application from MIT Sloan School of Management. Most recently, in October 2021, they received a Certificate of Completion of a 2-year program from The Living School - Center for Action and Contemplation founded by Richard Rohr. In 1988, they obtained memberships in both the Bar Association of the District of Columbia and the North Carolina Bar Association.