Startup Junkie Foundation executive director resigns

Haley Allgood has resigned as executive director of the Startup Junkie Foundation in Fayetteville, according to a news release Tuesday (March 17).

Startup Junkie Foundation, previously known as Community Ventures Foundation, is the nonprofit arm of for-profit Startup Junkie Consulting. Allgood worked for the foundation for the past five years and was named executive director in 2017.

Allgood told the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal she has accepted an emerging technology job with Walmart Inc.

“I appreciate all of the entrepreneurs of our community for allowing me to serve them over the past five years in my capacity as an ecosystem builder,” Allgood said in a statement. “It has been amazing to work in Northwest Arkansas during such a time of growth for our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The foundation said executive consultant Taylor Hasley has been promoted as Allgood’s successor. Hasley joined the foundation in 2019 and heads up Startup Junkie’s Fuel Accelerator.

“I couldn’t be more excited about what the future of Startup Junkie Foundation holds. Haley has set an incredible example, and I look forward to taking this opportunity in full stride,” Hasley said in a news release. “We have an amazing team that will continue to empower innovators and entrepreneurs. Thanks to the work Haley has put in over the years, our ecosystem is now more vibrant than ever before. We will continue to build off the great foundation she and the rest of our team have created.”

Calvin Smith has also been named chairman of the Startup Junkie Foundation board, effective March 23. Smith is co-founder of NOWDiagnostics Inc. of Springdale.

Smith will replace Brett Amerine, who established the foundation board and has served as chairman since its inception. Amerine is “transitioning” from the board, according to the release.