Our Team
Our Team is experienced in startup, investing, technology, and building things from 0 to 1. We are builders and operators who are passionate about helping local founders grow their companies to make global impact.
Jennifer Gardella, Ph.D.
President, Member of the Board of Directors
CEO, The Gardella Group
Jennifer Gardella offers consulting for blogging, social media, and newsletter writing for attorneys and small business owners. She is an expert who can help you rank in both AI and traditional SEO and establish a significant social media presence so your ideal clients can find you. Jennifer is thrilled and honored to join the Board and help entrepreneurs in Bucks County build their dream. The Gardella Group was built in Bucks County, and Jennifer is grateful for the support and mentorship she received.
In addition to this volunteer work, Jennifer is a trained domestic violence advocate and lends time to raise awareness and help victims and survivors.
✉️ jennifer@startupbucks.org
Bary Fleck
Vice President, Member of the Board of Directors
President, APL Supply
Board of Directors
Elizabeth Sigety
Partner, Fox Rothschild - Co-Chair, Emerging Companies
Det Ansinn
CEO at Brick Simple, LLC.
Louis Kassa
President & CEO,
PA Biotechnology Center
Jon Kontz
Owner, PLANT Design Group
Blockit, Co-Founder
Barry Fleck
President,
ALP Supply
Nick Yarnall
Inventor, Innovator, & BizTech Advisor
Jon Mercer
President Emeritus
Jon Mercer, a co-founder of Startup Bucks, served as the first President and Executive Director of the organization in its first three and a half years. Under his leadership, Startup Bucks launched several trailblazing initiatives which have brought resources and capital to hundreds of startups and have elevated Bucks County's standing in the regional startup ecosystem.
Jon founded Stacks Co. Workspace in Doylestown in 2018 which he sold in 2022. Prior to his entrepreneurial experience, he spent eight years in medical device innovation and IT with Johnson & Johnson in the United States and Australia.
Committee Advisors
Candace Yaeger
Executive Coach,
Candace Yaeger Coaching
Chris Wagner
Associate Attorney,
Antheil Maslow & MacMinn
Tracy Timby
Dean of Business & Innovation, Bucks County Community College
Expanding Our Reach
As our organization develops, we are committed to continuing to expand the diversity, experience, and reach of our leadership team. As such, we always encourage nominations of leaders who can help us bolster the startup ecosystem in Bucks County.
Please send recommendations and other suggestions to team@startupbucks.org.