Synapse Florida founder to step down from CEO role

Synapse Florida on Thursday announced that founder and CEO Brian Kornfeld will resign his position as of May 1, when longtime executive Lauren Prager will succeed him.

Prager, according to a news release, joined Synapse Florida — the technology-focused nonprofit organization that hosts the annual Synapse Summit in Tampa — in 2018. She started as a volunteer and worked her way up to vice president of community engagement and chief strategy officer.

“Lauren has been a driving force behind the scenes for years and has become a visionary leader of the community and the team,” Kornfeld states in the release. “I am beyond thrilled that somebody so talented will take Synapse to the next level as her vision and strategy in community building is truly unique and top notch.”

Founded in 2017, Synapse Florida, the release states, advocates for and promotes innovation across Florida, including the flagship Synapse Summit that attracts 6,000 attendees from around the world.

“It has been a privilege to serve the talented leaders across our state through Synapse’s mission to connect and catalyze our tech and innovation communities,” Prager states in the release. “I look forward to continuing to create opportunities to accelerate growth for our businesses, deepen collaborations and demonstrate that, as we say, ‘Innovation Lives Here.’”

Kornfeld, the release states, will remain a part of the Synapse community as a member of the organization’s board of directors.

“I am so proud to have been a part of this incredible team that has had a lasting impact on the state of Florida,” Kornfeld adds, via the release. “There are not many opportunities in life to enable so many others to achieve their dreams and grow to new levels. It has been an honor to have served in this position for six years. I am excited to see Lauren take Synapse to the next level.”