NVCA Names New President/CEO

The National Venture Capital Association said on Tuesday that Bobby Franklin will become its next president and CEO starting in September 2013. Franklin comes to the NVCA from CTIA – The Wireless Association, where he has served as executive vice president. He will succeed Mark Heesen who will become president emeritus. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, NVCA is a trade association for venture capitalists.

PRESS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) June 18, 2013
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today announced that Bobby Franklin has been elected by the Board of Directors to become the next President and CEO of the Association commencing in September 2013. Mr. Franklin comes to the NVCA from CTIA – The Wireless Association® where he has served as Executive Vice President since 2006, following two and a half years as Vice President of Government Affairs. He will succeed Mark Heesen who has been with the NVCA since 1991. Mr. Heesen will become President Emeritus and remain with NVCA during the transition period to advise the Association.
Mr. Franklin’s appointment concludes an extensive search led by Russell Reynolds and the NVCA Search and Executive Committees. In a letter to membership today, Josh Green, Chairman of NVCA, expressed strong support for Mr. Franklin and a high degree of comfort with the search process:
“We approached this search with a great deal of rigor and a high set of expectations as our industry demands integrity, passion and a vision for the future,” said Green. “The fact that we had more than a hundred applicants for the job evidences the outstanding reputation of the NVCA. The excitement and overwhelming consensus that formed around Bobby Franklin is a testament to his credentials and ability to drive the Association forward in a manner that best serves the venture capital industry. We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the meaningful contributions he will undoubtedly make in the years ahead.”
In his role as NVCA president and CEO, Bobby Franklin will bring more than 20 years of public policy and association leadership to the venture industry’s premier trade group. As the Executive Vice President at CTIA, he was integral to all aspects of CTIA’s work on behalf of its member companies including public policy advocacy, Board of Directors engagement, oversight of operations, and day-to-day management of its 90 person staff. Prior to CTIA, Mr. Franklin led the Washington D.C. office of ALLTEL Communications, originally joining the company as Vice President, Federal Legislative Affairs. Before ALLTEL, he spent a year and a half as a consultant representing the nation’s land-grant colleges and universities. Mr. Franklin began his career in the office of U.S. Senator David Pryor (D-AR) advising him for seven and a half years on issues before various Senate Committees including Finance, Agriculture, and Government Affairs.
In commenting on his appointment, Mr. Franklin said, “Innovation has and will continue to be a powerful driver for U.S. competitiveness and economic growth and it is a privilege to lead an industry that plays such a critical role alongside entrepreneurs in improving the ways in which we work and live. The NVCA has a long legacy which we plan to preserve and incredible potential which we intend to realize. I am eager to engage with the venture capital and start-up communities and move forward to tell our story and make our mark.”
Retiring President Mark Heesen remarked, “My years with the NVCA have been beyond rewarding and I am extremely confident that the Association will thrive under Bobby’s energy, management style and vision. Our members expect great things from NVCA, and I am certain those expectations will be exceeded under the new leadership. I intend to play a supportive role in the transition and look forward to remaining in touch with friends and colleagues that have come to mean so much to me, knowing that the Association is in excellent hands.”
About NVCA
Venture capitalists are committed to funding America’s most innovative entrepreneurs, working closely with them to transform breakthrough ideas into emerging growth companies that drive U.S. job creation and economic growth. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital community, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers its members and the entrepreneurs they fund by advocating for policies that encourage innovation and reward long-term investment. As the venture community’s preeminent trade association, NVCA serves as the definitive resource for venture capital data and unites its nearly 400 members through a full range of professional services. For more information about the NVCA, please visit http://www.nvca.org.