Tech incubator hires top fundraiser

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Wave Inc., a nonprofit that helps Tampa-area tech entrepreneurs grow their businesses, appointed Avril Stinson director of development.

According to a press release, Stinson is a seasoned expert in investor relations who previously worked at the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. as its investor relations director. At Tampa Bay Wave, she will be charged with leading the development, implementation and supervision of fundraising, as well as grant management and the Friends of Wave donor relations program.

“Tampa Bay Wave is thrilled to welcome Avril as a critical member of our leadership team,” states Linda Olson, president and founder of Tampa Bay Wave, in the release.

Stinson, Olson adds, "will spearhead our funding efforts at Wave, ensuring our nonprofit organization has the backing to achieve all of our entrepreneurial goals in the Tampa Bay region and, ultimately, fuel our startups to breakout success. Avril has just the expertise Wave needs to continue to achieve our mission and bring our vision to life.”

According to the release, Stinson's expertise will also be a boost to Tampa Bay Wave's efforts to attract tech company talent and capital to Tampa Bay.

“Avril is a significant key hire for Tampa Bay Wave and will be pivotal in helping to achieve the vision set by Linda (Olson) and the board,” adds Alfred Goldberg, Tampa Bay Wave board chairman, in the release.