Local tech incubator and coworking space 20Fathoms announced Friday that its executive director, Craig Wesley, has resigned from his position after just 14 months in charge. 20Fathoms Board Chair Ashley Sloat shared the news in an email to local media and 20Fathoms stakeholders, noting that the board has “been increasing its involvement and is actively engaged in a thoughtful, planned transition.” While the organization searches for a new leader, board member and former executive director Eric Roberts will step in as acting director.

A Michigan native, Wesley graduated from Michigan State University before heading out to California to pursue a career in Silicon Valley. There, he worked as part of a variety of software, technology, and energy companies. Since relocating with his family to Michigan, Wesley has run his own consulting firm, called the Wesley Performance Group. Locally, he’s been involved with Truly Free, the Williamsburg-based company that strives to replace typical household cleaners or laundry products with natural, toxin-free alternatives, and has served on the board of directors for the City Opera House.

20Fathoms announced Wesley’s hire for the executive director role in November 2024, following a nationwide search. Wesley was the fourth person to occupy that job since 20Fathoms launched in 2018. Roberts, who had been in charge since 2021, announced his retirement in June of 2024, but stayed on as a board member after handing the reins to Wesley.

“During this transition, 20Fathoms’ top priority is you: the entrepreneurs and startup community we serve,” Sloat wrote in her email. “Please rest assured that the Board is working closely with staff to ensure continuity of programming, fulfillment of grant commitments, and uninterrupted service to the regional startup community.” Sloat also promised that Roberts would provide “steady operational leadership” for 20Fathoms “while the Board works deliberately to plan for the organization’s next phase.”