Launch NY Adds Strategic Hire: Michael Derr Brings Over 10 Years of Nonprofit Experience to Strengthen Grants and CRM Operations

Buffalo, NY – 02/25/2025 – Launch NY is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Derr as its new Grants and CRM Administrator. Michael brings to Launch NY over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in program development and grant management, and he is eager to contribute his expertise to Launch NY’s mission of fostering innovation and growth in Upstate New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Launch NY’s team has evolved over the years to support its mandate of creating a robust and diverse innovation economy in Upstate New York. Launch NY’s growing team reflects its continued expansion in programmatic offerings and services throughout Upstate New York. Michael is the third strategic hire at Launch NY within the past three months joining Cassidy Malough, Program Manager, and Taylor Griffith, Marketing & Events Manager. The organization manages multiple client services programs, including its EIR mentorship, the Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator, and Founders Go Big, while also supporting initiatives such as Buffalo Manufacturing Works’ Shift 2.0, CapitalConnectNY.org, Upstate NY Energy Storage Engine, and more. Launch NY pairs its client service programs with its InvestLocal Financing Programs, including nonprofit and for-profit seed funds and the Investor Network syndicate. Since 2012, Launch NY has served nearly 1,750 companies which have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion, generate more than $265 million in annual revenue, and support more than 5,300 jobs.

In his role, Michael will manage grants administration and the organization’s CRM systems, ensuring smooth operations and efficient service delivery to Launch NY’s growing network of investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, and subject matter experts. His extensive background in community-focused initiatives and educational program development will be instrumental in supporting Launch NY’s ongoing efforts to both empower startups and drive economic growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the Launch NY team,” said Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., President & CEO of Launch NY. “His passion for community service and his extensive experience in grants administration make him an excellent fit for this role that constantly evolves with new funding sources. We look forward to the positive contributions he will make as we continue to fuel the innovation economy in Upstate New York through entrepreneurship.”

Before joining Launch NY, Michael served as a key player at the University District Community Development Association, where he helped design and implement programs focused on strengthening underserved neighborhoods. His academic background includes an MBA from Georgia Southwestern State University and a B.A. in Human Services from the University at Buffalo.

 

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About Launch NY
Launch NY is the only nonprofit venture development organization and U.S. Treasury-designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves and directly funds startups in Upstate New York. The core mission of Launch NY is to identify, support and invest in high‐growth, high‐impact companies and to catalyze the entrepreneurial culture of Upstate New York on behalf of job and wealth creation.

Since 2012 Launch NY has served nearly 1,750 companies which have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion, generate more than $265 million in annual revenue and support more than 5,300 jobs. Aligned with Launch NY’s CDFI designation, more than 70% of its portfolio companies are located in low income neighborhoods. Launch NY delivers its mission via mentorship and capital access programs, starting with pro bono mentoring through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, Founders Go Big program for underrepresented and underserved founders, and Emerging Cleantech Opportunity (ECO) Incubator. These programs prepare entrepreneurs for investment capital from multiple sources, including Launch NY’s InvestLocal Financing Programs comprised of nonprofit and for-profit investment funds, and the Investor Network deals marketplace that features hundreds of accredited investors. Through these vehicles, Launch NY is the most active seed investor funding New York State companies and has been ranked among the top 5 nonprofit seed funds in the country.