With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including 35 years in management and 15 years as an area director, Mark brings extensive expertise to the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga. As the former owner of a successful corporate catering company, he has a proven track record in franchise development, staff training, and ensuring compliance.

‍

Hal Bowling co-founded LAUNCH over a decade ago. With the help of the Chattanooga community and Hal’s leadership, the Kitchen Incubator opened its doors in 2020. Learn more about LAUNCH below.

DeJuan S. Jordan is Co-CEO of LAUNCH, Inc., parent organization of the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC), where she oversees strategy, operations, and mission-driven growth to empower food-based entrepreneurs. With a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Business, DeJuan is a certified life- and business-coach, speaker and author who brings a heart-centered, inclusive leadership style. Her work is rooted in faith, purpose, and community, guiding hundreds of individuals and early-stage businesses to clarity, growth and sustainable impact.

‍

Karen Collins serves as Director of Programs at LAUNCH Inc., where she leads strategy and execution for the organization’s entrepreneurial-training initiatives. She brings to the role a deep commitment to community empowerment and under-represented entrepreneurs, having transitioned from the City of Chattanooga’s mayoral staff to join LAUNCH’s mission. In her current role, Karen oversees program development across LAUNCH’s signature offerings — including the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga — helping food-based, youth and microbusiness entrepreneurs gain access to training, resources and networks. Her collaborative leadership and focus on equitable entrepreneurship make her a vital part of building stronger local businesses in the Chattanooga region.

‍