The Alliance for SoCal Innovation Announces Key Leadership Transitions for 2025
The Alliance for SoCal Innovation is announcing several leadership and staffing changes for 2025, marking a new chapter in its journey. Most notably, Andy Wilson, the Executive Director and CEO of the Alliance, will step down on December 31, 2024, to pursue his next adventure in innovation. Andy has been at the helm since January 2018, only months after Steve Poizner founded the organization in mid-2017 alongside notable innovation leaders from Silicon Valley and Southern California. Under Andy’s leadership, the Alliance has grown from an idea into a highly respected and integral super-connector in the innovation ecosystem, fostering collaborations with hundreds of partner organizations and thousands of stakeholders across the region.
During Andy’s tenure, the Alliance achieved several key milestones. The SoCal Venture Pipeline (SVP) program, established in 2021 and led by Managing Director Eric Eide, has already helped over two dozen startups secure more than $110 million in early-stage capital. Notably, ~40% of these startups are female-founded, and ~60% are led by founders of color, reflecting the organic diversity of Southern California’s innovation ecosystem. Andy also played a pivotal role in launching the SoCal Catalyst Fund, which co-invests in startups participating in the SVP program that have secured a lead investor. In 2024 alone, the Fund made five co-investments, furthering the Alliance’s mission of connecting ambitious SoCal founders with vital capital. Additionally, the Catalyst Fund now provides consistent financial support for the SVP program, enhancing the Alliance’s sustainability. Andy will remain involved with the Catalyst Fund’s Investment Committee after his departure, ensuring its continued growth and success.
The Alliance is also pleased to welcome Jeremy Mueller, who recently joined as a Venture Outreach Associate. Jeremy’s role focuses on identifying and recruiting founders seeking access to capital through the SVP program, further strengthening the Alliance’s support for the region’s innovators.
Over the years, the Alliance has built a highly effective team which is well positioned to deliver on-going regional impact. Steve Gilison, the COO who has led operations since 2017, will step in as Interim Executive Director while the Board conducts its search for a permanent successor to Andy Wilson.
Additionally, several changes to the Board of Directors were announced during the December 12 Board meeting. Steve Poizner, the Alliance’s Founder, will step down from the Board at the end of 2024 but remains an ardent supporter of the organization and its mission. Furthermore, the Board will welcome Jed Leidheiser, Partner at March Capital, who will replace Jamie Montgomery. Amgen’s representation will also transition, with Nate Russell, Vice President of Corporate Strategy, joining the Board in place of Rachna Khosla. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve, Jamie, and Rachna for their invaluable contributions to the Alliance’s growth and success. Their guidance and leadership have been instrumental, and we look forward to collaborating with Jed and Nate as we move forward.
Please join us in expressing heartfelt thanks to Andy Wilson, Steve Poizner, and our outgoing Board members, and in welcoming Jeremy Mueller, Jed Ledheiser, and Nate Russell to their new roles. The Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to elevate and catalyze Southern California’s innovation ecosystem as we enter this exciting new chapter.