Heather Kachinko is the New Ventures Coordinator at the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) at Vanderbilt University, where she has supported innovation and entrepreneurship since joining the team in 2013. In her role, she coordinates CTTC’s portfolio of startup companies, manages internal tracking and reporting, and supports entrepreneurship-focused programming and events.
With over fifteen years of experience at Vanderbilt, Heather brings a strong understanding of institutional operations and cross-departmental coordination. Prior to her time at CTTC, she supported the Chief of Staff for Vanderbilt University Hospital, providing high-level administrative and operational support.
Heather’s professional journey reflects a broad and diverse range of interests. Before transitioning into higher education, she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and worked in the music industry—experience that shaped her creative mindset and collaborative approach.
Heather is passionate about supporting emerging ventures and helping to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university community.