David Nelems - CEO
David Nelems is the CEO at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, where he oversees helping new, early stage and growth companies in Bluffton and the surrounding area grow and thrive. A serial entrepreneur who has been involved in four different startups with four successful exits, David brings real world experience to help new and growing companies.
This is the second time David has served as the CEO of the DRCI. Previously, David served in the roles of Executive Director and CEO of the organization from 2012 – 2018. In 2018 he left for a short term contract to join another startup. He returned to the DRCI in early 2020.
During both tenures he has helped the Bluffton-based incubator, launch and grow a number of today’s most successful local businesses. In ten years, more than 300 companies have worked with the DRCI.
His proven leadership and experience as an entrepreneur included his role as founder and president of ActiveGroup, a privately-held company providing video-streaming services to the marketing research industry. His technology enabled Fortune 500 companies to view their focus groups in real–time over the internet from 450 locations around the world eliminating the need for clients to travel. David started the company in 1999, grew it to a multi-million-dollar firm and sold it in 2007.
David’s diverse background also includes stints as a pilot for Delta Air Elite and a keyboard player for a touring rock band. He earned a degree in human relations and aviation management from Georgia State University.