Our Team
Conor Adler
Director
New to Kansas, NXTUS, and Accelerate Venture Partners (AVP) 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.
Conor is focused on initiatives to expand AVP membership, engage underrepresented investors, and enhance access to growth capital for Kansas entrepreneurs. Through programs like the Accessing Growth Capital Series, AVP helps founders become more investable by bridging knowledge gaps and providing resources to strengthen their businesses. Other efforts include angel educational events like the Capital Conversation Series, aimed at mobilizing new investors and showcasing startups across the state.
In his free time, Conor enjoys exploring the Heartland’s great outdoors, trying to swing a golf club, and playing guitar with his brothers in their band, ‘The Adler Brothers.’
Mary Beth Jarvis
President & CEO of NXTUS
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 in communication, public affairs and international relations for Koch Industries, and served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. She is an active community leader for the Greater Wichita YMCA and Visit Wichita and was named one of 50 Kansans You Should Know, as well a Wichita Business Journal Power 50, Newsmaker, Innovator, and Hall of Fame honoree for the 40 Under 40 and Women in Business programs.
Elleigh Peters
Community Engagement Manager of NXTUS
Elleigh is a Wichita native and a proud graduate of Kansas State University. She joined NXTUS in 2023 and currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager.
In her role, Elleigh leads NXTUS’s marketing efforts and communication products, supporting initiatives such as the NXTSTAGE programs and Accelerate Venture Partners angel group. She collaborates closely with community partners, leads the NXTUS Program Advisors Group, and works alongside other organizations to plan and execute events that equip Kansas entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed.
Outside of work, Elleigh is a dance instructor at Kelcy’s Dance Studio, where she teaches acro classes to students of all ages. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through hot yoga, exploring new restaurants around Wichita, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Alexander DeDecker
Junior Analyst
Alexander joined AVP in December 2025 and is a finance major at the University of Kansas. He brings two years of experience with University Venture Fund Crossroads, where he spent one year as an intern and one year as an associate, gaining hands-on exposure to early-stage venture diligence, startup analysis, and investor support.
As a Junior Analyst, Alexander supports portfolio management by conducting economic, industry, and company analysis, and assists with operational initiatives across the firm while supporting the broader Midwest startup ecosystem.
In his free time, Alexander enjoys staying active through weightlifting and exercise, spending time with friends and family, and caring for his three dogs, a Cane Corso and two English Mastiffs.