Our Team
Leadership
David Noble
Director
David, a dynamic university leader, strategically utilizes alumni, corporate partnerships, and government connections to prioritize student success. With a background in law and extensive experience guiding startups through IPOs, he brings a non-traditional problem-solving approach to academia. His expertise spans emerging trends, technologies, and organizations, positioning him as a thought leader at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Known for media appearances on blockchain and financial innovation, David is committed to establishing "Creatorship" as an entrepreneurial precedent. His leadership at UConn reflects a seamless integration of diverse experiences to foster a student-centric environment.
David holds a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Alabama, a JD from the University of Miami, an MBA from Elon University, and a BS in political science from Northeastern University.
Kathy F. Rocha
Associate Director
Werth Institute Operations, Signature Programs and Events
Following an impactful career in the computer networking industry, Kathy joined UConn as entrepreneur-in-residence for the School of Engineering with the Third Bridge Grant program. She helped create UConn's entrepreneurship consortium which was the precursor to the Werth Institute. Kathy's leadership in high tech spanned venture-backed startups to F100 companies including Bytex Corp, 3Com and Cisco Systems.
Kathy is an angel investor beginning with Golden Seeds in Boston. She is a board member of Day Kimball Hospital and trustee of the KeepSmilin4Abbie Foundation. Kathy holds a bachelor's in political science and MBA from Providence College in Providence, RI.
Staff
Katie Britt
Director of Leadership Development
Werth Innovators Program
About Katie
As the Director of Leadership Development at The Werth Institute, Katie empowers the next generation of innovators. She oversees the Werth Innovators program, guiding undergraduate students as they transform their ideas into tangible realities. With a passion for creativity and mentorship and a keen eye for talent, Katie fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive through collaborative learning.
Before joining the Werth Institute, Katie worked in regional government and education. She holds degrees from the University of Connecticut - a BA in Sociology and an MA in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and pets, gardening, and exploring her creative side through floral design.
Julie Gehring
Director of Mentorship & Student Development
NetWerx Program
About Julie
Julie ignites entrepreneurial spirits at UConn Werth Institute, empowering students and alumni through mentorship and innovation initiatives. She values connecting communities and fostering personal and professional growth, evidenced by her leadership roles with MENTOR, JP Morgan, Hyatt Hotels, Mentor Europe and the Eurasia Foundation.
An accomplished educator, she has taught at institutions including UConn, UMass Boston, and Emerson College, sharing her passion for communication, entrepreneurship, and public relations. She earned an MA in integrated marketing communication from Emerson College and her bachelor's degree in communication studies & public relations from Towson University. A current Ph.D. candidate in educational leadership and adult learning at UConn, her research digs deep into fostering opportunity recognition skills in aspiring entrepreneurs.
Judy Reilly
Director, Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation (CNDEI)
About Judy
Judy joined The Werth Institute in 2021 to design and direct a national academic center to address barriers that block bright, professionally capable autistic and neurodivergent individuals from meaningful, successful employment outcomes. UConn’s center educates employers in practice change and better connects neurodiverse college students and alumni with opportunities.
Judy is trained in special education law and spent two decades securing services, supports, interventions, and strengths-based approaches to enable neurodivergent children and adults to thrive.
She earned her MBA and bachelor's degree from University of Michigan and is the parent of four adult children, two of whom live with neurodivergent conditions that have significantly impacted their educational and employment journeys.
Aaron Rosman
Operations Manager & Fiscal Officer, Werth Institute; Assistant Director, Innovation House
Operations, Finances, & Events; Innovation House
About Aaron
Passionate about the student experience, mentorship, and sustainability, Aaron looks to blend the experiences he had as an undergraduate and graduate student at the University of Connecticut into the work he does for the Werth Institute. Aaron seeks to build connections with and mentor students who are interested in sustainability, natural resources, or just looking to navigate UConn. He’d be the first to tell you that most routes in life are “unconventional” but that does not make them any less meaningful!
Aaron holds an MBA and BS in natural resources, both from UConn .
