# Jen Haller Named Partner at Ascend VC
Startup industry veteran Jen Haller has recently been appointed as a partner at Ascend, a pre-seed venture capital firm based in Seattle. Haller, who initially joined the firm as chief of staff in January 2022, will now take on a broader role providing operational guidance to founders, managing internal operations, and enhancing community engagement.
According to Haller, the new title recognizes her pivotal role in expanding Ascend’s services as an early-stage venture capital firm. In addition to financial investments, the firm offers hands-on support to founders at every stage of their startup journey, from inception to securing Series A funding.
Prior to her role at Ascend, Haller has held various positions in the startup ecosystem, including as operations manager at Seattle-based Attunely, office manager at Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch, and co-founder of The Flight Team consultancy specializing in strategic growth.
Ascend’s founding partner, Kirby Winfield, describes Haller as an invaluable asset to the firm, highlighting her contributions to fostering a sense of community within the Seattle tech sector through events, volunteering, and networking opportunities. With over 80 portfolio companies, nearly 60 of which are based in the Seattle region, Ascend continues to make significant strides in the startup ecosystem.
## Key Personnel Changes in the Pacific Northwest Tech Industry
In addition to Jen Haller’s appointment at Ascend, several other notable personnel changes have been observed across the Pacific Northwest tech industry:
– **Amanda Kleha** joins the board of Common Room, a Seattle startup focused on enhancing connections between companies and their communities.
– **Brad Booth** assumes the role of CEO at NLM Photonics, a Seattle-based company specializing in hybrid electro-optic modulation for computing and networking solutions.
– **Dr. Charles “Chuck” Murry** transitions to lead stem cell research at the University of Southern California, departing from his role as director of the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Washington.
– **Brian Hoffman** takes on the position of director of Blue Ventures at Maritime Blue, a coalition in Washington state dedicated to promoting eco-friendly technologies in the maritime industry.
With these recent developments, the Pacific Northwest tech sector continues to witness dynamic shifts in leadership and innovation, driving growth and advancement in the startup ecosystem.