Hankins steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the organization. Rev1 recently secured a spot on TIME’s inaugural list of America’s Best Incubators & Accelerators for 2026, marking it as the top-ranked entity of its kind in Ohio. Throughout its tenure, the studio has backed over 1,700 startups, provided funding for more than 200 companies, and fueled $7.7 billion in statewide economic activity.

Her track record includes securing federal funding through the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge and Tech Hubs programs during her time in Oklahoma. Sue Zazon, Rev1 Board Chair and President of Huntington Bank’s Central Ohio Region, noted that Hankins possesses the rare ability to align founders, investors, and community leaders. As the firm expands its footprint with the new Rev1 at The Peninsula hub, Hankins is expected to scale these collaborative efforts to further solidify Columbus as a primary destination for SaaS, AI, and life sciences innovation.