Linda Hale

Linda is a seasoned leader in university research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with over 30 years of experience in startup support, translational research, and economic development. She manages the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship at Kent State University, where she leads programs that help students and faculty develop ventures, explore commercialization, and connect ideas to real-world impact.

 

Her past roles include operating a technology incubator for the City of Canton and JumpStart Ventures, advising early-stage technologies at The University of Akron Research Foundation, promotion and operations of the Microbusiness Center at the Akron Library, and serving as an NSF I-Corps instructor, mentor, and entrepreneurial lead.

 

Prior to her public service career, Linda owned and operated a graphic design and web development firm and ran a successful real estate business—experience that informs her hands-on, business-minded approach to university engagement.

 

She serves on the KSU Research Corporation Board of Directors, the KSU Patent and Copyright Board, and several regional advisory boards supporting business development and workforce growth.

 

Linda holds a master’s degree in real estate finance and development from Georgetown University and brings a practical, cross-disciplinary approach to university-industry collaboration.