Joni Cobb, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship, announced she will step down from the post at the end of 2019.
The program mentors entrepreneurs of high-growth companies. Cobb signed on when Pipeline launched in 2006, expecting to help with startup and pass the baton.
Over the past 12 years, Cobb has led Pipeline through significant change and challenge: navigating Pipeline through highs and lows of state funding issues, moving Pipeline to a multi-state organizational model, fundraising millions to propel growth, and building a membership structure that encouraged lifelong involvement from its entrepreneurs. The companies led by Pipeline Entrepreneurs have generated nearly $1.4 billion in revenue and more than $622 billion in wages. The companies have raised more than $522 million in outside capital and do business in more than 85 countries.
According to her coworkers, what will be most missed is Cobb’s creative and innovative spirit, key to what many refer to as the magic that helps build the Pipeline network. Cobb is also credited for intentionally instilling a strong family-oriented culture in Pipeline.
Cobb said she made the decision to encourage a leadership evolution “for the next chapter in our story, with a focus on continued longevity,” and that the timing couldn’t be better for this transition and planning phase.
“Pipeline is on a strong financial footing, we have committed sponsors who believe in our work, and our entrepreneurs are eager to increase their role in ensuring that Pipeline thrives for future generations,” Cobb said.
Cobb will remain on the board of directors after stepping down. Current board chairman Mike Beckloff said he and Cobb will take several months to assess needs for the program’s next leader, and that they’ll continue their collaboration as they always have—“in total sync.”
“We’ll take this journey together, building the way forward for Pipeline,” Beckloff said. “While we can’t yet say precisely what our future will look like, I know this: with Joni’s continued vision, passion and partnership along the journey, we’ll get there with the same success we always have. More great moments lie ahead.”
