JumpStart Inc. today announced the appointment of Cindy Torres Essell as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The transition follows the voluntary resignation of José Vasquéz, who has stepped down to pursue new opportunities in fund and venture development.

Vasquéz, a dedicated entrepreneur and longtime advocate for inclusive innovation, has served on the Board since 2017 and was appointed Chair in 2024. His decision to resign reflects his ongoing commitment to strong governance and his desire to focus fully on emerging opportunities in the venture ecosystem.

“José’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening JumpStart’s regional presence and advancing our mission to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” said Julie Jacono, CEO of JumpStart. “We are deeply grateful for his service and look forward to the continued impact of his work across Ohio and beyond.”

The JumpStart Board has appointed Cindy Torres Essell to succeed Vasquéz as Chair. A respected leader with a wealth of legal experience and deep expertise in human resource management and talent strategy, Essell currently serves as chief People Officer for Heinen’s Grocery Stores, a regional grocer headquartered in Cleveland. She has served on the Board since 2020. She has held key leadership positions, including Chair of the HR and Compensation Committee, the CEO Search Committee, and most recently, Vice Chair of the Board.

“Cindy brings a clear strategic vision, proven governance expertise, long term connections with the regional corporate community and a deep passion for inclusive economic development,” added Jacono. “Her leadership will be critical as we continue to scale our impact and deepen our work across the region.”

Essell’s term as Board Chair will run through the end of 2027. In this role, she will help guide JumpStart’s long-term strategy, expand collaborative partnerships, and champion innovation-driven growth throughout Ohio.

“I am honored to step into this role at such an exciting time for JumpStart,” said Essell. “I look forward to working closely with the Board and executive leadership to advance our mission and support the entrepreneurs and communities we serve.”

About JumpStart
JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized entrepreneur support organization based in Cleveland, Ohio. For over 20 years, JumpStart has been accelerating the growth of driven and ambitious entrepreneurs through a combination of capital, high-impact services, and deep partnerships across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. By investing in innovation, removing barriers, and fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, JumpStart drives economic transformation and strengthens communities throughout Ohio and beyond.

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