Team — Accelerate Venture Partners

New to Kansas, NXTUS, and Accelerate Venture Partners in January 2024, Conor brings a wealth of experience from his background as a startup operator in Chicago and the banking sector in Boston to AVP's mission of mobilizing capital for Heartland founders and enhancing the startup ecosystem in the region.
While initially involved in banking, Conor later delved into the vibrant landscape of early-stage startups in the Chicagoland area, where he took on various roles spanning operations, finance, sales, and marketing. His expertise in steering growth and executing successful go-to-market strategies for startups in e-commerce, SaaS, and supply chain domains positions him well to assess and support the early-stage ventures that AVP aims to educate and nurture.
In his free time he enjoys trying to swing a golf club, exploring the Heartland’s great outdoors, and playing guitar with his brothers and friends in their band ‘The Adler Brothers.’

A recent graduate from Kansas State University with a degree in Strategic Communications, Elleigh actively leans into any community she is a part of. At K-State, she was a member of the K-State dance team, the Classy Cats, and went above and beyond by taking on the role of event coordinator during her tenure. With her past experience as NXTUS's communication and marketing intern, coupled with her academic knowledge from Kansas State University, Elleigh leads the design, creation, and deployment of our communication products and executes effective community outreach strategies for NXTUS and Accelerate Venture Partners.
Outside of her professional role, Elleigh finds joy in spending quality time with friends and family. She is passionate about staying active, particularly enjoying hot yoga classes. During weekends, you'll often find her cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and exploring new and exciting restaurants around Wichita!

Mary Beth has served as NXTUS president and CEO since March 2023, providing overall leadership and oversight of the group’s entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including Accelerate Venture Partners. She has been an AVP investor member since 2019, joining soon after being hired as NXTUS’ Executive Director to launch the NXTSTAGE Startup Programs, which help startups grow by connecting them with Kansas businesses and communities as prospective customers.
Mary Beth previously led Wichita Festivals, spent 15 years at Koch Industries, and served as Captain in the U.S. Air Force. She is an active community leader for the Greater Wichita YMCA, Visit Wichita and other organizations. She was named one of 50 Kansans You Should Know, and a Wichita Business Journal Newsmaker, Innovator, and Hall of Fame honoree for the 40 Under 40 and Women in Business programs.