John Otten is a seasoned strategic leader with over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and project management across various industries. He currently excels as the Director of Partnerships at Techstars, where he spearheads corporate, university, and government collaborations to propel innovation within startup accelerators and economic development initiatives. John holds an MBA from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Ohio University, with a minor in Business.In addition to his role at Techstars, John is the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of the Brave Like Me Foundation. This nonprofit organization is committed to supporting children with Complex Medical Conditions by eliminating barriers and providing enriching experiences and educational resources.John's leadership style is characterized by his commitment to compassionate leadership and fostering collaborative team environments, allowing his teams to thrive and surpass expectations. His expertise spans financial services, nonprofit sectors, B2B services, B2B SaaS, and life sciences, making him a versatile leader capable of driving significant strategic initiatives.A dedicated volunteer, John also serves as a Board Member for the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, focusing on improving the lives of children with cardiovascular diseases. His passion for stakeholder engagement and excellence in customer service underscores his professional endeavors and community commitments.