Who is StarTUP Columbus?

We are all StartUP Columbus!

Our dedicated staff, inspiring past students, and visionary board members each play a crucial role in our shared mission. Together, we drive innovation and contribute to the vibrant local economy. Your involvement and support make all the difference as we work to build a thriving entrepreneurial community.
Explore below to meet some of the people that make up StartUP Columbus!

Our Staff

  • Ben MacMinn is the Executive Director of StartUP Columbus and Partner at Bytes and Brews in Columbus, Georgia. With over 13 years of experience in business and leadership development, Ben is known for his ability to foster thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive significant business results. His expertise spans Leadership Development, Coaching, Innovation, Team Building, and Strategic Management. Ben's leadership has been instrumental in developing Columbus, Georgia's first entrepreneurial hub, where hundreds of entrepreneurs go to begin their entrepreneurial 
    journey.

    He holds a master’s degree in Executive Leadership, where he honed his skills in guiding teams and organizations toward success. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ben is an active community leader. He serves on numerous boards of directors, and volunteers for various non-profits and on his children's sports teams.

Ben MacMinn

  • Riz Newman is the Operations Manager at StartUP Columbus. She manages event logistics, fosters relationships with local leaders, and oversees marketing efforts to enhance community and economic development. She ensures seamless communication with stakeholders and utilizes project management tools to drive efficiency in CRM, data tracking, and lead funneling.

Riz Newman

  • Kat Canella is one of our beloved CO.STARTERS+ Program Facilitators. Kat is a licensed Realtor in Georgia and Alabama.

Kat CanNella

Ana McGraw

  • Meet Ana, our Outreach Manager at StartUP Columbus! Ana oversees the daily operations of our Incubator, ensuring a seamless experience for entrepreneurs and small business owners. From managing tenant relationships and lease agreements to coordinating events and maintaining a dynamic workspace, she plays a vital role in fostering Columbus’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a keen eye for organization and a passion for supporting startups, Ana is dedicated to creating an environment where businesses can grow and thrive.

Rachel Schmidt

  • Rachel Schmidt is also one of our beloved CO.STARTERS+ Program Facilitators. Rachel is the Executive Director of Target Language, a translation + interpretation business.

  • Clara Vargas is our newest facilitator, and she will lead our new SURE Program partnered with 37Oaks. Clara has a background in music and business, which lead her to create The Oboe Source: a venture dedicated to oboe reeds.

Clara Vargas

our Board of Directors

Chief Executive Officer - OmegaFi

Fred Maglione

Tabetha Getz

Chief Director - Columbus 2025

Branch Leader & Small Business Consultant - Truist

Quincey Wade

Former CIO - OmegaFi

John Woolbright

Dean of the D. Abbott Turner College of Business and Technology - Columbus State University

Deb Kidder

alex Chan

Associate General Counsel - W.C. Bradley Company

Chairman and President - Charityvest

Stephen Kump

Senior Interior Designer - Malone Office Environments

Libba Dillon

Thank you to our founding sponsors!