Our Team

Ocean Exchange Team

Dawn Haynes

CEO at StarterStudio

Dawn Haynes is more than the CEO of StarterStudio. She is a mentor, a leader, a fount of knowledge and insight, and a visionary who is committed both to helping individual entrepreneurs realize their dreams and goals, and helping Orlando become a hub for successful start-ups and leading tech companies.

As the CEO, Dawn is focused on growing the impact of StarterStudio and using this organization as a catalyst for building the tech sector throughout the region.

As a leader and mentor, Dawn draws on her deep and diverse background, including more than 35years of international leadership experience, having spearheaded strategic planning, innovation, business development, asset growth, operations, customer experience, and more for a range of companies of varying sizes and stages of growth.

Beyond her vast experience and leadership prowess, what Dawn brings to StarterStudio is a commitment to helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into feasible, sustainable businesses. Her background enables her to help them identify the gaps between where they are and where they want to be, and to pinpoint what they need and need to do to bridge that gap.

Dawn earned an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. In addition to her experience in the private sector, having served in leadership positions with such global organizations as British Airways, Weight Watchers and the Walt Disney Company, she has also served in executive roles for several regional nonprofits and also as an adjunct professor teaching Strategic Management at the University of Central Florida-College of Business Administration.

Contact Us

Ocean Exchange invites you to learn more about Awards Program, our ecosystem and success of our award winners and participants. Together, we can chart a powerful course to help ensure the future of our oceans and the Blue Economy.

Testimonials

Participating in Ocean Exchange as an AUV subject matter expert was a meaningful way to share Anduril’s perspective on operational autonomy and AUV deployment. The event brought together diverse stakeholders focused on advancing practical, impact-driven maritime technologies, and provided a valuable platform for meaningful and inspiring discussions that delved into the complexities and opportunities spanning the full spectrum of ocean innovation.

 
Jessie Gray
Engineering Project Manager, Anduril

The Guy Harvey Foundation has been a proud partner with Ocean Exchange for the past few years as it provides a wonderful platform for innovations to be shared, meaningful networking to take place and overall supports the growth of the ocean economy and conservation efforts. We’ve been fortunate to provide awards for both collegiate and high school categories, participated on the judging panel and are inspired by the problem solving solutions presented by each candidate. If you want a good dose of inspiration, definitely look to supporting, attending or participating in the events!

 
Jessica Harvey
Chief Executive Officer, Guy Harvey Foundation

At Carollo Engineers, water is all we do—so we’re passionate about protecting our oceans. Attending the Ocean Exchange connected us with innovators advancing the blue economy, including those driving reuse and improving wastewater treatment and water quality. Events like this highlight how essential cross-sector collaboration is to solving global water challenges and creating a more sustainable future.

 
Dave Sobeck
Executive Vice President, Carollo Engineers

Being a voting delegate at Ocean Exchange reminded me why I do this work—watching students and industry leaders alike push the boundaries of what’s possible for ocean health and the blue economy. Deep thanks to Moffatt & Nichol for supporting our time and commitment.

 
Lynette Cardoch
Vice President Director, Resilience and Adaptation, Moffatt & Nichol

Ocean Exchange consistently brings together some of the most promising innovators in sustainability, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support their work through the Solutions Review Team. Each year after attending the annual conference, I leave energized by the quality of ideas presented, the mission‑driven entrepreneurs involved, and the collaborative environment that drives meaningful progress for our oceans and The Blue Economy.

 
Rick Claar
Partner/President, The Martec Group