Meet the New Deputy Executive Director of KY Innovation

Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman is settling into her new office as the Deputy Executive Director of KY Innovation. Monique expressed her excitement for the future of entrepreneurship in Kentucky and why KY Innovation is better equipped than ever to connect aspiring business owners to the resources they need to get started.

“To be a part of the fantastic engine that’s pushing our state forward is an honor,” Monique said. “I love hearing about the new startups forming statewide or spinning out of the Kentucky colleges and universities. It would amaze you how much value there is in Kentucky’s startup communities! Our team works to amplify that value, and the KY Innovation catalogue of resources does just that.”

A native of Hardin County, KY, Monique has been supporting Kentucky’s founders since 2012 in the Office for Research & Innovation at the University of Louisville. She has been a Business Development Manager at MEMStim, a founder of a Louisville-based innovation consulting practice, and collaborated with the Cabinet for Economic Development and KY Innovation in 2020 as the Executive Director of Kentucky Commercialization Ventures within the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.

“I am proudly from Kentucky!” She said. “To be a Kentuckian means that we work hard and get things done. This is why Kentucky startups are changing lives worldwide for the better every day.”

Monique’s extensive background of supporting Kentucky’s entrepreneurs uniquely qualifies her to understand the founders’ mentality and identify how KY Innovation can help. The entire team of KY Innovation is thrilled to work with Monique at the helm and we are eager to hit the ground running under her leadership.

“I am most excited for the momentum and relationships that our state has built!” Monique said. “The rest of the world is taking notice and eager to invest in Kentucky. With our Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development contributing a record-breaking year in our state, it’s a great time because it proves that the best is yet to come. I’m thankful that I’m here for it!”

“I am equally excited for the diversity of innovators and entrepreneurs who want to get in on the action including but not limited to educators, veterans, women, students, rural based, marginalized groups, and more,” she continued. “I love hearing that they are ready to take that leap to start something new right here in Kentucky!”

Welcome to Kentucky, let’s get started!