Eric Dobson spent his career as an entrepreneur, angel investor, and venture capitalist. He founded three companies, advised dozens, and deployed $13M in 82 rounds of capital in 56 companies. He is the Managing Partner of both CEP and Sheltowee Venture Fund II. He now focuses on coaching technical founders to become high-performing entrepreneurs in the Heartland.

Todd Culpepper has had a career in public accounting. His work as a CPA has been focused on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs drive value in their organizations and providing guidance in the areas of tax, accounting, and business consulting. A passionate investor himself, Todd is uniquely qualified as a CFO and advisor to Community Equity Partners.

David Vulcano is the president of our Nashville Chapter, the Music City Angels. He is a well known leader in the clinical research industry through numerous associations, boards and initiatives. Among other things he is currently employed by HCA, the largest private healthcare provider in the United States, as the Responsible Executive for Clinical Research. Born in New Orleans, he currently lives south of Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and 2 children where he involves himself in work, family life and other charitable and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Doc Claussen is the president of our Knoxville Chapter, the Marble City Angels. He is also currently the VP at Gulf & Ohio Railways and has worked previously in the medical field as a radiologist, bringing a lot of his experience from the healthcare market to our investment network. He currently lives in Knoxville, TN, where he is heavily involved in advising and assisting companies throughout the region.

Rozell Gray Jr. is the president of our Memphis Chapter, the Blues City Angels. 

He is an native Memphian who has spent his career as an entrepreneur, working in many different industries. He is heavily involved in the small business community,which has aided the growth of Memphis businesses and surrounding areas.

Robert Ritch is the president of our Sarasota and Manatee county chapter, the Manasota Angels.

Rob is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. As the founder and CEO of Ritch Ventures, a holdings company established in 1994, he specializes in investing in and scaling businesses across diverse industries, including logistics, finance, real estate, and technology.  

Hannah Thiessen Howard is an author, copywriter, and creative consultant. Her work has encompassed a variety of experiences and skills that bring new perspectives to Community Equity Partners, from creative development to technical documentation, domestic and international manufacturing, branding, marketing, communications, and facilitating a genuine customer relationship.