Upstate Venture Connect Announces Two New Appointments to Board of Directors
Upstate Venture Connect (UVC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating high-growth businesses across Upstate New York, is proud to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Michael Gursha, Cofounder, Chairman & CEO of Point Curve, and Mary Malone McCarthy, Founder & CEO of M3 Placement and Partnership.
These appointments reflect UVC’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team with experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who are deeply invested in the future of Upstate New York’s innovation economy. With these appointments, the Board will expand to 9 directors.
“Michael and Mary Malone are visionary leaders who bring deep networks, entrepreneurial experience, and a shared passion for growing opportunities across the region,” said Olivia Goldstein, CEO of Upstate Venture Connect. “Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as UVC continues to connect Upstate NY founders with the resources they need to succeed.”
Michael Gursha, a Syracuse University alumnus and serial entrepreneur, is the co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Point Curve, a media and technology company that owns and operates various consumer internet brands and technology businesses. Michael is also the CEO of Digital Information Resources, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Point Curve) which runs various digital media websites including skimboarding.com, standuppaddleboarding.com, tennislibrary.com, golfreport.com, chesschampion.com, weekonefantasy.com, pickleballsquid.com and others. Michael is the co-founder and CEO of rookieroad.com, a digital sports encyclopedia that provides the rules, lingo and gameplay for all sports globally. Michael is an active advisor to early stage companies including WalterPicks, Asset, FanMade, Bettle and SQWAD Sports. He was previously a board member for Syracuse-based PowerSpike, until its acquisition in 2022. Michael was formerly the inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence at the Newhouse School and is currently a member of the school’s Emerging Leaders Board, which exists to support and counsel the Dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is Chair Emeritus of the Young Whitman Advisory Council and a former member of the Whitman Advisory Council at the Whitman School of Management.
Mary Malone McCarthy is the founder and CEO of Albany based M3 Placement & Partnership, a full-service talent acquisition firm including executive search, outsourced recruitment, and strategic HR. With a holistic and client centered approach, she and her team partner with companies nationwide, to lead executive searches, talent recruitment efforts, employee retention programs, and strategic HR projects. Over the past 12 years, Mary Malone has led M3 to significant growth by becoming a dedicated partner and one stop solution for companies committed to transforming how they recruit and retain top talent. She is a respected community builder, business leader, and champion of inclusive workforce development. Mary Malone currently serves on the board of directors for CanCode and Center for Economic Growth (CEG). Her work has helped organizations across sectors align people strategies with business growth – skills that will further UVC’s mission of ecosystem alignment.
Both new board members are deeply aligned with UVC’s mission to foster meaningful connections between founders and experienced executives, unlocking new growth opportunities for companies across the Upstate region. This year, UVC is on track to deliver over 525 curated referrals to support Upstate NY founder success.
About Upstate Venture Connect:
Founded in 2010, Upstate Venture Connect (UVC) provides thought-leadership, intelligence, and network building opportunities for entrepreneurs in Upstate NY. UVC currently supports nearly 700 high growth businesses by making personalized introductions and hosting invite-only gatherings. UVC is a 501c3 non-profit.
For more information on Upstate Venture Connect and its mission, visit uvc.org.