IncubatorWorks is your local business incubator! We “incubate” businesses by helping people start and grow their business.
Who we are
Our mission is to promote economic development in the Southern Tier of New York through supporting entrepreneurial growth and development of their businesses and creation of jobs.
Our Team
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Executive DirectorAshleigh joined IncubatorWorks in 2016, bringing experience in recruiting, office management, and marketing. She focuses on supporting startups, job growth, and entrepreneurial community-building. Ashleigh serves on the Board for Corning Area Young Professionals and chairs its Membership and Sponsorship Committee. A passionate advocate for helping others succeed, Ashleigh and her husband are also entrepreneurs. In her spare time, she enjoys photography.
Project ManagerBarry joined IncubatorWorks in 2018 with a background in business, project, and facility management. He’s a certified Greenbelt, experienced in DMAIC, DMADV, and Lean projects. Barry previously managed corporate and public dining operations for a Fortune 300 company. As a Serve-Safe Certified Instructor, he also led safety training programs and oversaw food service construction projects.
Youth Entrepreneurship Program ManagerJodi is the Youth Entrepreneurship Program Manager at IncubatorWorks, where she designs and leads programs that help students develop entrepreneurial skills. She brings experience in education, crisis management, and community engagement, and is a certified educator passionate about lifelong learning. Since joining IncubatorWorks in 2023, Jodi has focused on empowering young people to think creatively, take initiative, and realize their full potential.
Program ManagerKim has 20+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business support, with a background in the hospitality industry. She leads community outreach and mentorship for in the Southern Tier, supporting startups through Co.Starters and other programs. Kim collaborates with local colleges and regional partners to encourage entrepreneurship.
Operations ManagerKrista has over 23 years of experience in asset and operations management, including budgeting, construction oversight, and cost-saving initiatives. She manages facilities in Alfred and Corning, NY. Krista co-owned a successful business in Texas for 15 years and brings a strong entrepreneurial perspective to her role.
Program DirectorLiane joined IncubatorWorks in 2023 after 20+ years at Cornell University. She has experience in administration, finance, and operations, including a leadership role at Rev: Ithaca Startup Works. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration and serves on the Chemung County IDA Board. Liane also runs a small reselling business.
Chemung County Program ManagerTerel joined IncubatorWorks in 2024. He has over a decade of experience in business administration, finance, education, and facilities management. Terel holds an MBA from Alfred University. He manages the Elmira space as well as the Elmira Makerspace, and supports program delivery in Chemung County.
Entrepreneurs in Residence
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Bookkeeper, AccountantLawana has a strong background in bookkeeping and tax prep. She is passionate about helping small businesses succeed, recognizing their role in building strong communities. Outside work, she enjoys kayaking, sewing, baking, and relaxing on her deck. She’s a big fan of the Chemung County Fair and dreams of swimming with sea turtles.
CPANancy is a longtime CPA and former Executive Director of IncubatorWorks. She has worked with startups for decades as a Contract CFO and advisor. Many of her clients have grown into businesses with 50+ employees. She continues to support new entrepreneurs through mentorship and business development guidance.
Board of Directors
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Senior Research Manager, Corning IncorporatedDr. Boh Ruffin is a Senior Research Manager at Corning Incorporated, specializing in nonlinear optics, fiber optics, and Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) systems. With extensive experience in optical fiber technologies, he has contributed to advancements in high-power laser applications and photonics. Dr. Ruffin holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics and has authored numerous publications in the field.
Chair, Business Economic Division & Director, Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School at Elmira CollegeChair of the Business & Economic Division and Director of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School at Elmira College, Alison combines executive marketing experience with applied academic programs to give students real-world business exposure through fieldwork and team projects.
Program Director, Southern Tier Startup AllianceExecutive Director of the Southern Tier Startup Alliance, Brad supports entrepreneurial incubators across eight counties. He also teaches at Cornell University and Ithaca College in business, management, and engineering disciplines.
Retired President of Science & Technology, Corning, Inc.As President of Science & Technology at Corning Inc., Charles Craig oversaw strategic planning and global operations in support of the CTO. With over 40 years at Corning, he led innovation process management and the company’s global technology community.
Executive Director, Allegany County IDACraig Clark is the Executive Director of the Allegany County IDA, and retired VP of Economic Development at Alfred State College. Dr. Clark leads workforce and economic development efforts. He holds a PhD in civil engineering and is responsible for attracting and expanding business in Allegany County.
Director, CACT & Manager, University Government Relations, Alfred UniversityDave leads business development at Alfred University’s Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology and manages university government relations. He works closely with local, state, and federal representatives to advance research and economic initiatives.
Dean of the Kate Gleason College of EngineeringDean of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering at RIT, Dr. Edwards is a materials scientist with over 60 publications and two patents. She previously served as Dean of Engineering and Acting VP at Alfred University, focusing on research in energy and environmental materials.
Director, Steuben County Industrial Development AgencyExecutive Director of the Steuben County IDA since 2011, Jamie has led expansion efforts for major manufacturers. With over 20 years in economic development, he serves on several regional and state boards. He holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and SUNY Empire State College.
Sr. Economic Development Manager, STEGSenior Economic Development Manager at STEG, Jill supports job growth and community development in Chemung County. Her background includes roles in regional planning, business retention, and government liaison work. She serves on multiple local and regional boards.
Senior Director of Community and Economic Development, Alternatives Federal Credit UnionA strategic planner by nature, Kathleen thrives in working to develop and implement processes to evolve programs and product offerings designed to serve community members left behind by the traditional financial services industry.
Dean, College of Business, Alfred UniversityMark Lewis has over 40 years of experience in leadership positions, both private and public sector, leading operations, engineering, project management organizations, and leading strategic process improvement and innovation initiatives.
Sr. Associate Vice President for Economic Development, University at BuffaloDr. Stromhaug oversees the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships including tech transfer activities, the start-up suite, entrepreneurial support and economic growth initiatives. He also oversees the new High Technology Incubator in downtown Binghamton and is the lead contact for the Start-Up NY initiative at Binghamton University.Our Story
1992
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1997
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2003
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2012
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2024
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