CEO Has a New Chair of the Board and Corporate Treasurer

The Board of Directors for Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) recently announced the appointment of Giles T. Hertz, to the role of chair of the board and Becky Gann, to the role of corporate treasurer. CEO is a non-profit corporation, headquartered at The University of Tampa, and is dedicated to creating a world of opportunities for today’s young entrepreneur. CEO brings resources, connections and funding to more than 250 colleges and universities globally as their students launch businesses.

Hertz, serving as the sitting president, and now chair, has been involved with CEO for more than 20 years as a faculty advisor. In the past immediate three years as CEO’s executive director, he has led the organization through a significant leadership transition and headquarters realignment. Hertz is an associate professor of business law and entrepreneurship and is an active member of the Kentucky Bar Association.

Gann, assistant vice president of membership and strategic relationship management at AACSB International, was appointed as the corporation’s treasurer. Gann, previously serving as the chair of CEO’s Board of Directors, has a long history of running successful entrepreneurial support programs with the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), Texas Christian University’s Values and Ventures Program and most recently AACSB International. Gann has a long history with CEO, most immediately working to structure and develop the corporate board in her position as chair. Gann received her Master’s in Business Administration from Belmont University. 

James Zebrowski, executive director of CEO, said that both Hertz and Gann have a deeply rooted passion for CEO’s mission. “The strategic and innovative minds that embody CEO’s board and officer team helps to drive the organization in a strategic direction necessary to impact our network of collegiate entrepreneurs,” Zebrowski said. “These new appointments allow the officer team to focus on our unique talents as they apply to our positions. This will allow us to more strategically continue our expansion plan with an international focus, additional board member appointments and generating a strong fundraising engine for CEO.”

CEO is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit charitable corporation, founded in 1983, supports more than 16,500 emerging collegiate entrepreneurs annually. CEO believes that any student, regardless of academic discipline can launch a business. Through a global network of more than 250 college and university chapters, CEO supports and inspires the growth and development of any student that seeks to be entrepreneurial.

CEO practices a mantra of “Stop Dreaming and Start Doing.” At Global and Regional Conferences students network with like-minded entrepreneurs, meet and receive mentorship from seasoned experts and compete in business competitions. On campus, CEO programming exposes students to a viable path to becoming an entrepreneur. 

Learn more about what it means to be an entrepreneur in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization.