Our Team
Innovate Springfield is the University of Illinois Springfield’s innovation center—a tight-knit team supporting founders, small businesses, and community partners with programs, mentorship, space, and connections.
Not sure who to contact? Email innovatespringfield@uis.edu and we’ll route your question to the right person.
Rob Kerr
Executive Director of Innovation & Opportunity
Rob Kerr serves as the Executive Director for UIS Innovation and Opportunity. His background includes over 20 years in higher education and economic development. His previous positions include Director of Continuing and Professional Education at UIS; Deputy Director for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Dean of Enrollment and Career Programs and Registrar at Richland Community College; and Director of Career and Technical Education at the Illinois Community College Board. In addition, Rob served as an adjunct faculty member at Benedictine University Springfield for 18 years.
Ben Hage
Director of Innovate Springfield
Ben Hage is a dynamic ecosystem builder, entrepreneur, and the Director of Innovate Springfield at the University of Illinois Springfield, where he bridges the gap between academia and entrepreneurship. Ben is experienced as a co-founder and nearly a decade of fostering innovation and startup growth. Currently pursuing his PhD in Higher Education Administration at Illinois State University, he combines academic rigor with practical experience to cultivate the next generation of business leaders.
Joel Tjelmeland
Facilitator for the Sangamon CEO Program
Joel Tjelmeland is Owner and Vice President of Laketown Automotive, Inc., where he has led operations and driven growth since 1989. With more than 36 years of hands-on entrepreneurial experience, Joel has built a strong reputation for customer service, operational excellence, and strategic marketing. His long-standing leadership in the automotive industry reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to serving the Springfield community. A graduate of Illinois State University, Joel combines practical business insight with a strong educational foundation. As a facilitator for the Sangamon CEO Program, he brings real-world experience, mentorship, and a passion for developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Marie Haccandy
Technology and Marketing Lead, Innovate Springfield
Marie Haccandy serves as Technology and Marketing Lead at Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity Management at UIS and brings international experience and a global perspective to the team. Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, she is fluent in French and English and has professional experience spanning cybersecurity consulting, AI-powered workflows, and project coordination. At Innovate Springfield, Marie manages the organization’s social media presence, leads marketing strategy, supports member services and events, and is directing the rollout of Cobot, the incubator’s new CRM system.
Sofia Dixon
Front Desk Student Worker
Sofia Dixon is a Marketing Assistant and Front Desk Coordinator at Innovate Springfield, supporting marketing efforts and daily operations. She manages social media for the Sangamon CEO program and supports front desk operations. Sofia attends Lincoln Land Community College and plans to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Nathan Dahl
CEFCU Venture Staff, Innovate Springfield
Nathan Dahl is a student entrepreneur and CEFCU Venture Staff member at Innovate Springfield, where he supports founders while continuing to build his own consumer brand. He is the Co-Founder of Fore Show Golf, a Springfield-based golf accessory company. Nathan is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Business Administration at UIS after earning his associate’s degree from Lincoln Land Community College with departmental honors. He also graduated from the Sangamon CEO program in 2023. Through his experience launching products, negotiating with overseas manufacturers, and scaling digital marketing campaigns, Nathan brings real-world startup perspective to Innovate Springfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.