Innovator, tech hub on track for 2026 opening in renovated K-1 Center
Hatch Fairhope, Baldwin County’s innovation hub for entrepreneurship and technology, recently announced leadership transitions to drive its next phase of growth.
Rick Miller, director since 2018, will assume the role of senior advisor while Keith Glines steps in to lead Hatch Fairhope operations and bring a “fresh perspective to advance the organization’s mission of empowering startups and fostering innovation.” Glines joined the Hatch Fairhope team in 2024 to oversee strategic partnerships for the accelerator.
Hatch Fairhope has evolved from a concept into a cornerstone of innovation in the region under Miller’s leadership. The organization has established itself as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, providing essential resources, mentorship and networking opportunities to emerging businesses.
“Rick Miller’s passion for entrepreneurship and dedication to our community made him the ideal leader for building and guiding Hatch Fairhope,” said Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. “His seven-year tenure has seen numerous tech entrepreneurs successfully launch and scale their companies through Hatch Fairhope’s counseling and mentorship programs. While stepping back from day-to-day leadership, Rick’s continued advisory role ensures his valuable expertise remains accessible to Hatch Fairhope and its entrepreneurs. His vision has been instrumental in establishing Hatch Fairhope as a crucial driver of innovation and economic development in Baldwin County. I am confident that Keith will continue to build on this foundation with the same dedication and innovation.”
Hatch Fairhope is funded by the Baldwin Community + Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF), Coastal Alabama Community College, PNC Bank and the City of Fairhope. Innovate Alabama, Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, admitted the BCEDF into their Innovate Alabama Network in 2023 and granted it $250,000 to support Hatch Fairhope and its programming.
In August 2024, Hatch held its first-ever Medical Innovation Cohort Finale from its “Powered by Bessel” accelerator program, a showcase where eight start-ups pitched their companies to potential investors and community stakeholders after a 10-week program.
As president and CEO of Pro 356 Consulting, Miller has more than 30 years of experience specializing in strategic planning and organizational development across various industries in both the public and private sectors. His career highlights include serving as CFO in various industries, COO of a fast-food chain and CEO of a fitness technology company, where he secured financing and a national distribution deal. Miller, who holds an MBA from Harvard University, also serves as facilitator of the SBA Emerging Leaders program in Mobile.
The leadership transition marks a strategic step forward in expanding Hatch Fairhope’s mission to foster creativity, nurture talent and accelerate startup growth, further strengthening its impact on the local and regional economy.
Looking ahead in 2025, Lawson said he is excited about what’s on the horizon for Hatch Fairhope.
“Our upcoming facility in downtown Fairhope represents an exciting new chapter for Hatch Fairhope,” he said. “We’re also expanding our partnerships with statewide initiatives and strengthening Fairhope and Baldwin County’s technology ecosystem through innovative programming. I am excited at the opportunities ahead for Hatch Fairhope.”
Hatch Fairhope is renovating about 16,000 square feet of the former Fairhope K-1 Center. Glines told GCM in September it’s going to be a “combination of co-working spaces, schools, classes and education programs not only in the medical sectors but in all technology sectors.”