Scott Holley, a U alum and seasoned entrepreneur, has been named executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute (Salt Lake City, UT) as the program receives a transformative $25M gift ahead of its 25th anniversary.
Salt Lake City, Utah - May 12, 2025
The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business has appointed Scott Holley as the new executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. The announcement coincides with the recently announced $25 million donation from the Lassonde Family Foundation—doubling their total commitment to $50 million and reinforcing the institute’s mission to empower student entrepreneurs and innovators.
Holley, a U alum with a degree in finance and an MBA from Harvard, was one of the original student leaders of the program in 2001, when it first launched with support from philanthropist Pierre Lassonde. "It’s thrilling to return to the program that launched my entrepreneurial journey," Holley said. "When I was a student leader nearly 25 years ago, I could only dream of what the Lassonde Institute would become. I’m humbled to join an incredible team and help carry that legacy forward."
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute now serves more than 6,000 students each year and supports over 500 student startup teams annually. Its flagship facility, Lassonde Studios—a combination innovation space and residential facility for 400 students—opened in 2016 and is widely viewed as a national model.
Holley succeeds Troy D’Ambrosio, the institute’s founding executive director. D’Ambrosio helped transform Lassonde from a single program into an internationally recognized entrepreneurship hub. He will continue to advise the institute and also serve as the University of Utah’s Vice President for Innovation and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. “I remember Scott when he was a student leader of our first program,” said D’Ambrosio. “He was determined, passionate, and tireless—important qualities for any entrepreneur and ones he has grown over time. He is a great person to lead the institute and maintain the mission of transforming students’ careers and lives through entrepreneurship.”
The appointment follows a national search led by Eccles School Dean Kurt Dirks. “Scott’s deep connection to the University, combined with his proven entrepreneurial track record, makes him an ideal leader,” said Dirks. “His experience, energy, and vision will help us grow opportunities for students and elevate the institute to new heights.”
The Lassonde family’s latest $25 million gift marks a major milestone for the institute as it approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026. Pierre Lassonde, who co-manages the foundation with his children Julie and Christian, said, “The institute has become the destination for student entrepreneurs over the past 25 years. This gift will allow the institute to continue to dream big and achieve incredible things for young entrepreneurs over the next 25 years and beyond.”
Holley brings to the role a broad career in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Most recently, he led Eddyline Kayaks through a successful acquisition by Jackson Kayak, after managing all aspects of the company’s operations and expansion. Prior to that, he co-founded Harken Capital, worked in investment banking and consulting, and launched multiple venture-backed partnerships in healthcare, financial services, and tech.
“My time at the U launched everything for me,” Holley said. “I want to give back by helping students gain the entrepreneurial mindset that will serve them in any career. I’m here to listen, support, and keep dreaming big—just like Pierre Lassonde encouraged.”
Holley added, “Entrepreneurs think different, and that’s exactly what we’ll keep doing.”
Learn more at lassonde.utah.edu. Connect with Scott Holley on LinkedIn: @sholley.