The David Eccles School of Business announced Monday that University of Utah alumnus and entrepreneur Scott Holley will lead the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute as its new Executive Director, marking a new chapter for one of the university’s top innovation and entrepreneurship centers.
Holley, who holds a finance degree from the University of Utah and an MBA from Harvard University, will succeed Troy D’Ambrosio. D’Ambrosio will transition into full-time roles as vice president for innovation and chief of staff for the president’s office.
Career and Background
This isn’t Holley’s first leadership role at the Lassonde Institute. According to Lassonde’s press release, he was one of the founding year’s inaugural students leaders in 2001.
“I remember Scott when he was a student leader of our first program,” D’Ambrosio said. “He was determined, passionate and tireless — important qualities for any entrepreneur and ones he has grown over time. He is a great person to lead the institute and maintain the mission of transforming students’ careers and lives through entrepreneurship.”
The School of Business selected Holley for the role based on his background in venture capital, business consulting and commitment to entrepreneurial leadership. Most recently, he led a search-fund-backed acquisition of Eddyline Kayaks in 2017, later serving as the company’s president.
“Scott has a rich background and strong connections to the David Eccles School of Business and the University of Utah that make him perfectly suited to this position and the opportunity to continue building our world-class entrepreneur institute,” Kurt Dirks, dean of the David Eccles School of Business, said in the statement.
Holley reflected on his longstanding connection to the Institute and the significance of his new position.
“My roots with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah run deep, dating back to my time as an early student leader,” Holley said. “The opportunity to return and now lead the Institute and its tremendous team, supporting thousands of students in their entrepreneurial journeys, is truly significant to me.”
Future of Lassonde
Holley shared his vision for the future of the Institute.
“I envision the Institute continuing to be a benchmark for experiential entrepreneurship education, growing our engagement with students and alumni and increasing the profound impact of our programs on their success,” he said.
Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute was founded in 2001 by Pierre Lassonde, a successful mining entrepreneur, philanthropist and alumnus of the U. The institute offers a range of workshops, networking opportunities, competitions and services designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship and innovation.
With Holley’s appointment, the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute aims for a smooth transition into the future.
“I also look forward to nurturing strong and respectful relationships across the entire university,” Holley said.
