Citing his experience as an entrepreneur and leadership in Huntsville’s tech community, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Danny Windham to the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors, it was announced Tuesday.

His appointment fills one of two vacancies on the 11-member board.

“Innovate Alabama gives the state another tool to keep a competitive edge,” said Ivey. “Its board is designed to meet this moment and the next chapter ahead for Alabama’s economy. Danny Windham’s experience and leadership will help shape our strategic direction and ensure we are creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed across Alabama.”

Windham, the principal in Danny Windham Consulting, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to the board. He retired as Chief Operating Officer for the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in 2025, and served as CEO of Digium and president/COO of Adtran.

“I have a great deal of respect for the work Innovate Alabama is doing to support entrepreneurs across the state,” said Windham. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the board and leadership team to help strengthen the innovation ecosystem and create more opportunities for founders to grow and succeed here at home.”

Over the course of his career, he has been deeply involved in Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a mentor, investor and board member supporting startup growth.

As Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, Innovate Alabama supports founders and connects entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow.

Windham’s experience as an operator and mentor aligns closely with that mission.

“Danny brings a rare combination of operator experience, founder perspective and a deep commitment to Alabama’s innovation community,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “He has spent his career building companies and supporting entrepreneurs, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem across Alabama.”