After more than two decades building innovation ecosystems around the world, Marissa Dean is bringing that experience to the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Dean was recently named director of the University’s Innevation Center, where she will lead efforts to expand entrepreneurship programming, strengthen industry and community partnerships, and support students, researchers and founders as they move ideas from concept to real‑world impact. 

With more than 25 years of experience in global consulting, entrepreneurship support and cross‑sector partnerships, Dean has worked at the intersection of innovation and execution. Most recently, she served as senior director at Caribou Digital, leading multimillion-dollar advisory engagements with organizations including the Gates Foundation, the International Finance Corporation and the Mastercard Foundation. 

“What excites me most is helping people move ideas into action – connecting research, talent and partners so innovation doesn’t stop at the concept stage,” Dean said in a recent video interview. 

Dean’s work has taken her across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States, supporting accelerator design, venture development and early‑stage startup ecosystems in both emerging and established markets. Throughout that work, she said, universities have played a central role in strengthening innovation environments. 

“Marissa’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening the University’s innovation ecosystem and expanding pathways from research to application,” said Mridul Gautam, senior vice president for research and innovation. “Her experience translating research into impact aligns directly with our Research & Innovation mission and the University’s Wolf Pack Rising priorities.” 

As director, Dean reports to Khaled Abul‑Hassan, associate vice president for enterprise and innovation. Her focus will include strengthening the Innevation Center’s role as a hub for collaboration, experimentation and entrepreneurship. 

“Marissa brings a rare combination of global perspective and hands‑on experience building innovation ecosystems,” Abul‑Hassan said. “She understands how to support founders, connect partners and develop programs that deliver real value – leadership that will be critical as the Innevation Center continues to expand its impact.” 

A Reno‑Tahoe resident since 2015, Dean also brings a strong commitment to the local community. She mentors students through the University’s Women in Technology initiative, volunteers as a coach with Girls on the Run‑Sierras, and has held leadership roles with Tahoe’s Connection for Families. University leaders said that blend of global experience and regional engagement positions her well to lead the center’s next phase. 

“Universities have a unique role to play – not just as sources of research, but as conveners that bring students, founders, industry and community together.” -Marissa Dean 

In her new role, Dean said her early priorities include expanding access to entrepreneurship resources, deepening engagement with industry and community collaborators, and supporting innovators at multiple stages – from students and faculty researchers to startup founders. 

“Strong innovation ecosystems don’t happen by accident,” Dean said. “They’re built through trust, collaboration and intentional support for entrepreneurs.” 

Dean also emphasized the importance of data‑driven storytelling and meaningful engagement, with a focus on making innovation efforts visible, measurable and inclusive.

“After years working globally, it feels meaningful to apply those lessons here – building something that supports students, researchers and entrepreneurs where I live,” she said.

Dean holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UC Berkeley. 

Looking ahead, Dean said she sees the Innevation Center as a place where research, creativity and entrepreneurship intersect – creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and impact across campus and beyond. 

“I see the Innevation Center as a space where ideas can grow through connection,” she said. “When people have access to the right networks and resources, innovation becomes possible in ways that wouldn’t happen alone.”