Jenn Callahan assumes CEO role as Tommy Wallace becomes Board Chair and two new community leaders join the Board of Directors
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 1, 2026) — Amplify is entering a new chapter of leadership with several key transitions designed to strengthen the organization’s mission of accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across Greater Louisville and the Lincoln Trail region.
Effective July 1, Jenn Callahan has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founding CEO Larry Horn, who is stepping away from the organization after seven years of visionary leadership. Simultaneously, Tommy Wallace, Market President of Commercial Banking at Old National Bank, succeeds Lance Mann as Chair of Amplify’s Board of Directors.
The organization also welcomes two accomplished civic and business leaders to its Board of Directors – Justin Brown, Managing Director of Endeavor Southeast and Founder & Managing Partner of Bespoke Production Capital, and Nadareca Thibeaux, President & Executive Director of the Louisville Medical and Education District (LOUMED). Both bring extensive experience in economic development, innovation, finance, and regional collaboration that will help shape Amplify’s future.
Additionally, Amplify extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeff Guan, Interim Dean of the University of Louisville College of Business, who concludes his service on the Board of Directors at the end of June after helping guide the organization through an important period of growth and strengthening the connection between higher education and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Amplify has always been about bringing the right people together to help entrepreneurs succeed,” said Jenn Callahan, Chief Executive Officer. “As we enter this next chapter, I’m excited to work alongside an outstanding Board of Directors whose collective expertise reflects the strength and diversity of our innovation ecosystem. Together, we’ll continue creating opportunities for founders, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the people and resources they need to thrive.”
Callahan and Horn began partnering in 2019, eventually co-founding Amplify in 2020 and continuing to work alongside one another to build what has become one of the region’s leading entrepreneurial support organizations. During fiscal year 2025–2026, Amplify served 749 startups, facilitated 357 meaningful connections, supported founders who collectively raised more than $72.5 million in capital, supported startups in creating 360 jobs, and welcomed 1,143 attendees to programs and events.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a founder who decided to bet on themselves and build something from nothing,” Callahan said. “That takes grit. The real impact of Amplify has never simply been in the programs we offer—it’s in the relationships we build, the introductions that change a founder’s trajectory, and a community that believes innovation matters.”
Outgoing CEO Larry Horn reflected on the organization’s journey and its future.
“Seven years ago, Amplify was a dream. A dream that Louisville deserved an entrepreneurial community built on real relationships, not just programs. Watching that dream take hold, founder by founder, partner by partner, and introduction by introduction, has been the work of a lifetime. I’ve been blessed to have Jenn as a thought and business partner since the beginning. She knows the people, the relationships, and every hard conversation that got us here. There’s no one I’d trust more with what we’ve built together.”
As Board Chair, Tommy Wallace will help guide Amplify’s strategic direction as the organization expands its regional impact.
“It is an honor to serve as Board Chair during such an exciting time for Amplify,” Wallace said. “Larry leaves behind a remarkable legacy, Lance has provided outstanding governance and leadership as Board Chair, and Jenn is exceptionally well positioned to lead the organization forward. Our Board is committed to supporting her vision while continuing to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem that is helping drive economic growth throughout our region.”
Wallace also recognized the leadership of outgoing Board Chair Lance Mann.
“Lance has been an exceptional leader and steward of Amplify during his tenure as Board Chair,” Wallace said. “His thoughtful leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to our mission have positioned the organization for continued success. We are grateful for his service and look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped establish.”
Incoming Board member Justin Brown brings more than two decades of experience in investment banking, private credit, entrepreneurial finance, and founder support. As Managing Director of Endeavor Southeast, he works across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, and Tennessee to connect high-growth entrepreneurs with capital, talent, and customers, while also leading Louisville-based Bespoke Production Capital.
Incoming Board member Nadareca Thibeaux brings more than 30 years of executive leadership spanning healthcare, economic development, strategic planning, technology, and public-private partnerships. As President and Executive Director of LOUMED, she leads initiatives that strengthen Louisville’s healthcare, education, innovation, and workforce ecosystem through collaboration and community investment.
Together, these leadership transitions reflect Amplify’s continued evolution and long-term commitment to strengthening the region’s innovation economy.
“The next chapter of Amplify isn’t about starting over,” Callahan said. “It’s about building on everything we’ve created together. We’re committed to creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs—from first-time founders to high-growth startups—can build companies, create jobs, and strengthen our communities for decades to come.”
About Amplify
Amplify is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across Greater Louisville and the Lincoln Trail region. Through founder support, strategic connections, educational programming, and ecosystem development, Amplify empowers entrepreneurs to build companies that create jobs, attract investment, and drive regional economic growth.
Media Contact
Laura Kenning
Amplify
laura@amplifystartups.comwww.amplifystartups.com
