MARYLAND COMMERCE SECRETARY NAMES NEW ENTREPRENEURSHIP DIRECTOR
Allyson Redpath will oversee agency’s involvement in the early-stage ecosystem and work as an advocate for startups in the state
BALTIMORE, MD (January 16, 2020) – Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz has named a new director of entrepreneurship and small business outreach who will play a key role in attracting and retaining early-stage companies to the state. Allyson Redpath, a former investment banker with a history in capital raising and investment analysis, will facilitate partnerships between businesses and resource providers, including access to capital, company counseling, and small business workshops, seminars, and events. Redpath began her new role on December 18.
“This new position will have a positive impact on our department’s outreach efforts and will allow us to provide additional support for small businesses in Maryland,” said Secretary Schulz. “With her investment knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs throughout the region, I believe Allyson will be an excellent addition to the Maryland Commerce team.”
A Maryland native, Redpath has more than 15 years of experience in finance and investment banking. In recent years, she has dedicated her time to the early-stage ecosystem by serving as a financial advisor for local small businesses. In 2019, she founded Citrine Angels, an angel investing group that provides early-stage investment opportunities to individual investors and works to improve access to capital for women-owned startups throughout the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region.
Prior to her work with startups, Redpath served as director of investment banking at Schroders and Citigroup, where she managed transaction teams for mergers and acquisitions and represented companies to raise funding from investors. Her previous experience also includes investment research at Goldman Sachs, a focus on debt securities at Merrill Lynch, and serving as a treasury analyst at Groupe Crédit Agricole. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
“I know from growing up in Maryland that it’s a wonderful place to live and to do business, so I’m excited to dedicate my time to foster the ecosystem for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors throughout the state,” said Redpath. “Access to capital is a crucial underpinning of growth and stability for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to use my experience in financing and investments to help both businesses and investors in my home state.”
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
