Venture Forum leader resigns

After leading the Florida Venture Forum for nine years, Robin Lester recently resigned as its executive director.

According to a release from the organization, its board of directors has formed a search committee and is looking for Lester's replacement. Program Director Pat Schneider will serve as the group's interim director and manage the forum's day-to-day operations until it finds a new executive director.

During her tenure, Lester helped the Forum add an annual early-stage capital program, which has run successfully for five years. “We are very appreciative of Robin's accomplishments and dedication to the Florida Venture Forum, wish her the best and are confident she will have continued success in her future endeavors,” board chairman Richard Maclean says in a release.

Founded in 1984, the Florida Venture Forum is a statewide entrepreneurial networking group that helps companies find venture capital and provides them with managerial assistance.