Our Team
Innovate Springfield is 69ÂÜŔňapp Springfield’s innovation center—a tight-knit team supporting founders, small businesses, and community partners with programs, mentorship, space, and connections.
Not sure who to contact? Email innovatespringfield@uis.edu and we’ll route your question to the right person.
Rob Kerr
Executive Director of Innovation & Opportunity
Rob Kerr serves as the Executive Director for UIS Innovation and Opportunity. His background includes over 20 years in higher education and economic development. His previous positions include Director of Continuing and Professional Education at UIS; Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Dean of Enrollment and Career Programs and Registrar at Richland Community College; and Director of Career and Technical Education at the Illinois Community College Board. In addition, Rob served as an adjunct faculty member at Benedictine University Springfield for 18 years.
Ben Hage
Director of Innovate Springfield
Ben Hage is a dynamic ecosystem builder, entrepreneur, and the Director of Innovate Springfield at 69ÂÜŔňapp Springfield, where he bridges the gap between academia and entrepreneurship. Ben is experienced as a co-founder and nearly a decade of fostering innovation and startup growth. Currently pursuing his PhD in Higher Education Administration at Illinois State University, he combines academic rigor with practical experience to cultivate the next generation of business leaders.
Scott Germeraad
Associate Director of Innovate Springfield; Sangamon CEO Facilitator
Scott Germeraad is the Associate Director of Innovate Springfield and Facilitator for the Sangamon CEO program at 69ÂÜŔňapp Springfield. He leads program design, facility operations, fundraising, and community outreach to support entrepreneurship. Previously, he spent over 12 years at Springfield Electric Supply Company, advancing to Director of Training and Development, where he managed learning for 700+ associates and improved retention. Scott holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Western Illinois University and brings expertise in leadership, operations, and relationship building to foster innovation and growth.
Marie Haccandy
Technology and Marketing Lead, Innovate Springfield
Marie Haccandy serves as Technology and Marketing Lead at Innovate Springfield, 69ÂÜŔňapp Springfield’s business incubator. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity Management at UIS and brings international experience and a global perspective to the team. Originally from CĂ´te d’Ivoire, she is fluent in French and English and has professional experience spanning cybersecurity consulting, AI-powered workflows, and project coordination. At Innovate Springfield, Marie manages the organization’s social media presence, leads marketing strategy, supports member services and events, and is directing the rollout of Cobot, the incubator’s new CRM system.
Victoria Ehiagwina
CEFCU Venture Staff, Innovate Springfield
Victoria brings international business expertise to Innovate Springfield, combining academic insight with hands-on experience across three continents. She is currently pursuing her MBA at 69ÂÜŔňapp Springfield, focusing on business strategy and entrepreneurship. Fluent in English, Chinese, and Yoruba, she has managed international collaborations at Yaso Travel Union in China and supervised engineering projects in Nigeria. Her experience spans contract negotiation, partnership development, and bridging cultural gaps between diverse teams. Most recently, she completed an internship with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer, strengthening her knowledge of project management and public service.