Gov. Kay Ivey appoints Danny Windham to Innovate Alabama board

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Huntsville-based technology executive and entrepreneur Danny Windham to the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors, filling a vacancy on the 11-member board. 

Windham brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the technology and innovation sectors, including serving as chief operating officer of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Over the course of his career, he has also served as CEO of Digium and president and COO of Adtran, and has been deeply involved in Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a mentor, investor and board member supporting startup growth.  

“Innovate Alabama gives the state another tool to keep a competitive edge,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Its board is designed to meet this moment and the next chapter ahead for Alabama’s economy. Danny Windham’s experience and leadership will help shape our strategic direction and ensure we are creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed across Alabama.” 

As Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, Innovate Alabama supports founders and connects entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow. Windham’s experience as an operator and mentor aligns closely with that mission. 

“Danny brings a rare combination of operator experience, founder perspective and a deep commitment to Alabama’s innovation community,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “He has spent his career building companies and supporting entrepreneurs, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem across Alabama.” 

His experience as both a company builder and board leader positions him well to contribute to Innovate Alabama’s strategic direction. 

“I have a great deal of respect for the work Innovate Alabama is doing to support entrepreneurs across the state,” said Windham. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the board and leadership team to help strengthen the innovation ecosystem and create more opportunities for founders to grow and succeed here at home.” 

Windham’s appointment fills one of two current vacancies on the board. He joins a group of innovation leaders from across Alabama charged with helping guide the organization’s strategy and advancing its mission to grow a more competitive economy through entrepreneurship and technology. 

About Innovate Alabama 

Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on small businesses, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and small businesses thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at www.innovatealabama.org.