Jamiah is our Community Coordinator with a talent for fostering meaningful connections. An Auburn-Montgomery MBA graduate who’s passionate about building strong, engaged communities. Whether organizing events, managing partnerships, or supporting community initiatives, she brings energy, creativity, and a people-first approach to every project. Jamiah is dedicated to enhancing community engagement and ensuring members feel heard and supported.

Nick Elam is a creative force at Innovation Depot, where he focuses on driving impactful marketing strategies and crafting compelling campaigns that support Birmingham’s thriving tech startup ecosystem. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed, Nick brings his expertise in design, branding, and strategic communication to every project, ensuring that Innovation Depot’s programs shine.

Outside the office, Nick loves spending time with his wife and their 3-year-old son. He’s an avid plant enthusiast, always looking to grow his collection, and a music lover who enjoys both creating music and catching live shows. Whether he’s cultivating greenery or soaking in the energy of a concert, Nick thrives on creativity and connection.

Maggie is bringing a fresh wave of excitement and a touch of innovation as our Experience & Operations Manager. A proud UAB graduate in Public Relations, Maggie brings a wealth of experience from renowned organizations like Coca Cola, Yelp, and Pihakis Restaurant Group.

Hailing from Birmingham, she is not just a professional powerhouse but a passionate advocate for the city’s growth. A true local gem, Maggie thrives on outdoor adventures, be it hiking or enjoying live music. As the designated planner and host among her friends and family, Maggie is the go-to person for creating experiences. A self-proclaimed dog person who unexpectedly found love with a cat. Maggie is dedicated to enriching the Depot and Birmingham community through unforgettable moments.

Ritchie Kruunenberg is the Vice President of Strategy & Startup Growth at Innovation Depot, where he drives strategic initiatives, supports founders through programs like Voltage and Boost, and fosters growth in Birmingham’s startup community. He is an active member of Rotaract’s leadership development program, serving as the Technology Chair, and contributes to the SXSW Pitch Competition as an advisory board member.

Originally from the Netherlands, Ritchie played Division 1 tennis at The University of Alabama and later coached UAB’s women’s tennis team. He holds an MBA from The University of Alabama and a master’s in Communications Management from UAB, bringing a well-rounded perspective to his work in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Abby Guerin Russell serves as the Chief Development Officer at Innovation Depot, where she combines her passion for philanthropy with over 15 years of leadership experience. Prior to joining the Depot, Abby led development efforts at Venture for America, UC Berkeley, and Innovate Birmingham, and Harvard University. With a strong belief in community and collaboration, Abby is committed to investing in Birmingham’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring the next generation of founders has the resources and support to succeed. Her dedication reflects her deep-rooted belief in giving back and community impact.

Brooke is a seasoned leader in Birmingham’s tech startup space and serves as CEO of Innovation Depot, where she drives the city’s entrepreneurial growth. Previously, she launched Techstars’ Alabama EnergyTech accelerator and had an 8+ year run with Instagift, a startup rooted in Innovation Depot. She helped design and develop the Velocity Accelerator program, running for 6 years. Brooke, passionate about fostering community culture, holds a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Alabama and was named a Power 60 Emerging Influencer in 2023. She is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Birmingham, serves on UAB’s Committee Information Security Liaison, and will attend Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program this year. Brooke lives in Birmingham with her husband, two sons, and their dog Annie.