Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon.
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As Allen Dillingham steps into the role of board chairman for the Missouri Technology Corporation, he is focused on finding a new chief executive for the organization and securing its state funding.
Dillingham was appointed to the role in late November after Dan Cobb announced he was stepping down following two years as board chairman of the MTC, a public-private partnership that supports technology startups in Missouri. Dillingham has been a member of the MTC board since 2022, serving on the executive committee and as the vice chair of the audit committee.
Allen Dillingham, Missouri Technology Corporation; courtesy photo
In addition to Dillingham’s appointment, the governor’s office announced three new board members. They are Brett Calhoun, a general partner at Columbia venture capital firm Redbud VC; Allen Kunkel, associate vice president of research and economic development at Missouri State University; and Kara Lowe, president and CEO of the KC Tech Council, a nonprofit technology industry group.
Dillingham works as director of government relations for The Builders, a chapter of the construction industry trade group Associated General Contractors of America.
He said he is excited to be in this position and to work with the MTC’s partners all across Missouri.
“I’ve always been around startups and ag growing up, so that’s why I have interest in MTC and seeing what we can do for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state,” Dillingham said.
The MTC is in the beginning stages of finding someone to replace Jack Scatizzi, the current CEO and executive director, who announced in August that he is stepping down at the end of January.
The organization also has navigated budget changes, losing state funding for the 2026 fiscal year and being forced to cut some of its programs.
But it was announced Dec. 9 that the MTC was approved for $33 million in federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. Missouri was awarded $95 million across three tranches, with this being the second.
RELATED: Missouri releases $33M+ in federal funds to MTC to support startups, small businesses
The MTC will deploy the money to small businesses through a fund that provides equity-based investments to early-stage companies that have high-growth potential.
Dillingham stressed the importance of furthering the MTC’s support for small businesses in the northern part of Missouri, where he said the organization has struggled getting grant applications.
“I would like to work on increasing that, working with our stakeholders and other partners up in that region to figure out how we can change all that so we can get more applications for the entrepreneurial ecosystem partners that we have up there,” Dillingham said. “And also, how we can get more money in the northern area of the state.”
Dillingham’s main goal beyond finding a new CEO for the organization is to enhance the MTC’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Missouri.
“I’m very excited to make sure that we’re firing on all cylinders and doing everything we can to help promote entrepreneurs, and be that catalyzing force for innovation in the state,” Dillingham said. “It’s a great organization that can really do some good things and be impactful for our state.”
