Get To Know Us

A CMURC audience applauding in a glass-walled coworking space, a woman in a tan blazer smiling in the foreground.

The people, partnerships, and plans powering entrepreneurship

Built to Support Entrepreneurs

CMURC was founded in 1999 as a nonprofit extension of Central Michigan University with the goal to be an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Our mission has always been clear: to empower real people with real ideas by providing coworking spaces, investor connections, accelerator programs, and an inclusive support network that helps entrepreneurs build something that lasts.

Driven by our nonprofit status and university roots, we connect local, regional, and statewide partners to close opportunity gaps and foster long-term economic impact. Whether you’re a solo founder or a scaling team, CMURC gives you the tools, community, and strategy needed to grow on your own terms.

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Your Idea Matters

CMURC is committed to building an inclusive space where every background, perspective, and experience is valued. Through our initiatives, we provide targeted support, community-driven programming, and equitable access to resources because innovation should never be limited by access.

Our goal is to ultimately close the opportunity gap so anyone can be an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur Like ME

To support our mission, we created the Entrepreneur Like ME initiative. It goes beyond coworking; through quarterly Impact Days, peer cohorts, and virtual strategy sessions, we turn community into opportunity and close the equity gap.

How we do it

Helping solve problems; where tough conversations are welcomed
Advise ME
Network with other businesses in an informal and fun way
Connect ME
Be recognized and highlighted in our community
Celebrate ME
Professionals helping you strategize at no cost
Strategize ME

Fund ME

A fund created with the goal to create widespread community impact. By helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive, the fund contributes to local job creation, and drives regional economic vitality.

learn more

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Podcast ME

A podcast dedicated to showcasing the diverse journeys of entrepreneurs. We dive deep into what it means to be an entrepreneur, the obstacles faced along the way, and the grind required to succeed.

tune in

The Team Behind CMURC

Meet the people that make it happen!

Erin Strang
President & Chief Executive Officer
Erin Strang
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Elissa Gagne
Chief Operating Officer
Elissa Gagne
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Elizabeth Propp
Program Manager
Elizabeth Propp
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Amanda Schafer
Vice President of Finance & Compliance
Amanda Schafer
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Courtney Garrett
Diversity & Business Development Director
Courtney Garrett
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Andrew Mason
Community & Outreach Manager
Andrew Mason
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Larry Herriman
MEDC University Tech Programs Director
Larry Herriman
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Courtney Garrett
Diversity & Business Development Director
Courtney Garrett
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Donald Bivens
CoWork Coordinator
Donald Bivens
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Corbin Pilaske
Program Coordinator
Corbin Pilaske
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Dr. Anthony Chappaz
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Anthony Chappaz
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our board of directors

We bring together regional leaders and business experts to keep CMURC sharp, strategic, and always focused on community impact.

Neil MacKinnon
Central Michigan University
President
Neil MacKinnon
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Mary Hill
Central Michigan University
Vice President of Financial Services & Chief Financial Officer
Mary Hill
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Toby Roth
Central Michigan University
Associate Vice President of Government & External Relations
Toby Roth
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Jeff Stoutenburg
Central Michigan University
Trustee
Jeff Stoutenburg
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Paula Lancaster
Central Michigan University
Provost
Paula Lancaster
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Shawna Patterson‑ Stephens
Central Michigan University
Vice President for University Engagement & Student Affairs
Shawna Patterson‑ Stephens
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Kaleb Patrick
Central Michigan University
Interim Vice President for Innovation & Online Services,
Kaleb Patrick
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Julie Messing
Central Michigan University
Director, Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship
Julie Messing
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Felicia Harris
EverythingHR
Principal & CEO
Felicia Harris
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Patricia Franklin‑ Lindsey
Huntington Bank
Vice President & Community Development Relationship Manager
Patricia Franklin‑ Lindsey
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Melissa Skalitzky
PNC Bank
Regional Manager & Senior Vice President
Melissa Skalitzky
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Bob Johnson
Central Michigan University
Statewide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Editor
Bob Johnson
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Dan Ward
Detroit Labs
Cofounder & President
Dan Ward
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LeTasha Peebles
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Grant Manager for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
LeTasha Peebles
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innovation ambassadors

Our Innovation Ambassadors represent CMURC within their communities, helping to expand our reach, share opportunities, and connect entrepreneurs to the resources they might not know exist.

They’re the bridge between your idea and the ecosystem that can move it forward.

Anthony Chappaz
Anthony Chappaz
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Ksenia Ustinova
Ksenia Ustinova
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Kevin Campbell
Kevin Campbell
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Preshit Ambade
Preshit Ambade
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Peter Dijkstra
Peter Dijkstra
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Veronica Barone
Veronica Barone
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Lauren Agnew
Lauren Agnew
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Bradley Fahlman
Bradley Fahlman
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Eric Petersen
Eric Petersen
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Kimberley O’Brien
Kimberley O’Brien
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Monaliza Sirbescu
Monaliza Sirbescu
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Joseph Langenderfer
Joseph Langenderfer
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Natalia Zakharova
Natalia Zakharova
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Robert B. Petersen
Robert B. Petersen
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Julien Rossignol
Julien Rossignol
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Ute Hochgeschwen -der
Ute Hochgeschwen -der
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Kirsten Weber
Kirsten Weber
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Tanya Domina
Tanya Domina
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Gary Dunbar
Gary Dunbar
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Valeri Petkov
Valeri Petkov
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Bingbing Li
Bingbing Li
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Chanseok Jeong
Chanseok Jeong
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The SmartZone Network

A SmartZone is a designated tech hub created by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that encourages collaboration with municipalities, local organizations, and other universities. These various entities work in harmony to promote innovation, commercialization of ideas, and research.

Business accelerators like CMURC provide coworking space and support programs to advance entrepreneurial efforts in driving industries.

learn more

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Interested in Joining Our Team?

At CMURC, you’re contributing to a regional movement that empowers entrepreneurs, drives economic growth, and transforms communities.

If you’re energized by innovation, motivated by impact, and ready to work alongside people who genuinely care, we’d like to hear from you.

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