TechColumbus CEO stepping down, search for successor under way

After six years at the helm of nonprofit economic development group TechColumbus, the organization’s leader is stepping down.

In a prepared statement, Ford said it was “premature” to publicly discuss his future plans. TechColumbus’ board of directors has launched a search for Ford’s successor.

“I think it’s time to pass the baton to the next leader and to look for ways I can help advance other initiatives that accelerate our region’s growth,” Ford said.

During Ford’s tenure, TechColumbus raised more than $43 million in state and matching funds to find, coach and finance dozens of startups, according to the statement. TechColumbus also helped with the expansion of the Ohio TechAngel Fund, which recently topped a list from Entrepreneur.com of the nation’s largest angel funds ranked by number of members.

TechColumbus has helped develop several healthcare startups including surgical products company Minimally Invasive Devices and MRI-compatible treadmill company EXCMR.