About Dirigo Labs

Jeff Frank is the Program Manager for Dirigo Labs, where he oversees the Dirigo Launch incubator, Dirigo Raise accelerator, and Dirigo Model financial-readiness course while working directly with entrepreneurs to coordinate curriculum, guide mentor engagement, and strengthen Maine’s innovation network. With experience spanning private-sector innovation, public policy, and community development, Jeff has co-founded hearforward (acquired 2012) and held roles at Hoana Medical, Smart Yields, Oceanit Labs, and Elemental Excelerator, in addition to serving in senior staff positions for two U.S. Senators, conducting research at the Brookings Institution, and spending two years in the U.S. Peace Corps supporting small-business development. He is committed to helping Maine founders compete nationally and advancing CMGC’s mission to grow the region’s innovation-driven economy.

Garvan D. Donegan, President & CEO of the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) and Principal Investigator for Dirigo Labs, is a nationally recognized economic development executive. Named to the Mainebiz “Next List,” he has driven a $500 million economic renaissance in the state of Maine & Central Maine through tech-based ecosystem building and large-scale capital mobilization. Leading the region’s economic strategy, Donegan’s innovative approach to public-private partnerships, philanthropic venture capital, and complex real estate deal flow supported over $250 million in downtown Waterville revitalization. Key milestones include establishing a designated Innovation Hub of Excellence by the State of Maine, locally establishing Waterville’s Qualified Opportunity Zone, and driving multi-million-dollar adaptive reuse of historic mills and facilities in the region. As founder and Principal Investigator of Dirigo Labs, Donegan built a fast-moving accelerator whose portfolio of 68+ technology companies has raised $35.5 million in capital, generated $17.3 million in sales, and created nearly 200 jobs in under five years. To grow Maine’s digital economy and communities, he has served as PI or co-lead in securing major federal investments, including a $1.2 million U.S. EDA Build-to-Scale award and a $9.2 million U.S. DOT BUILD grant. He also leads Maine’s designated SBIR/STTR FAST program—operating the associated SBIR Resource Center with U.S. SBA support—and a $6.2 million NIST award to establish the Maine High-Performance Computing Hub, advancing AI, biotech, and blue economy innovation while supporting Maine-based companies. Leading Maine’s most active U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #186), Donegan optimizes international supply chains by processing tens of millions in imports/exports merchandise annually, securing Foreign Direct Investment, and sustaining hundreds of advanced manufacturing jobs. Donegan completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Leading Economic Growth program as a Duane D. Fitzgerald–Libra Foundation Fellow. He holds an M.A. in Community Planning & Development from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Maine System, a Maritime Port Manager (MPM) certification from the Loeb-Sullivan Graduate School of International Business & Logistics at Maine Maritime Academy, and a B.A. from Eckerd College.

Nicole is responsible for overseeing CMGC’s granting efforts, which include optimizing the grant administration process, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with grant regulations. Nicole’s work will directly support CMGC’s existing funding landscape in addition to being responsible for overseeing CMGC’s Economic Recovery Implementation Hub activities throughout Kennebec and Somerset Counties. Nicole brings previous experience as the Director of Finance at Care & Comfort, where she oversaw all aspects of the finance department, including managing staff, billing, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, and reconciling the general ledger. Her experience monitoring fee schedules to ensure compliance with various provider contracts and funding sources demonstrates Nicole’s familiarity with financial management. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono in Mass Communications.

Joshua is the Economic Development Specialist for The Central Maine Growth Council. Joshua is responsible for expanding opportunities for Mid-Maine businesses, municipalities & entrepreneurs. Joshua has extensive experience in marketing, facilitating strategic partnerships, and program administration. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management as well as a Master of Business Administration from Thomas College.

Jonathan is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Dirigo Labs. He is the CTO and COO of Prospector, a company Jonathan cofounded in 2020, that utilizes human-centered artificial intelligence data analytics to allow investors to better understand the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact of the mining industry. Prior to Prospector, Jonathan was involved in IBM’s Global Business Services consulting division where he served customers in both the private and public sectors. In 2015, Jonathan co-founded iBUILD, a startup focused on building technology solutions for the construction industry. Under his leadership, iBUILD attracted high-profile clients and investors, such as Habitat for Humanity.