Business incubator makes leadership change

TAMPA — The Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA), a Tampa-based business incubator that launched in 2016, has shuffled its leadership team in the wake of Executive Director Rachel Feinman’s departure for a vice presidential post at Tampa General Hospital, effective Nov. 19 — the date of a virtual summit that will showcase 15 Israeli agriculture technology firms. 

According to a press release, Rakefet Bachur-Phillips and Pam Miniati will serve as co-executive directors of FIBA, which, during Feinman’s leadership tenure, has helped 30 Israeli-based companies tap into the U.S. market. Both Bachur-Phillips and Miniati have been with the organization since its inception, with the former serving as director of marketing and strategic partnerships and the latter as program director. 

“We’re excited about Rachel’s new opportunity with one of our key industry partners, Tampa General Hospital, and fully anticipate continuing to collaborate with her in her new role,” states FIBA co-Chair Gary Gould, who also serves as CEO of the Tampa Jewish Community Centers and Federation, in the release. “Under Rachel’s leadership, FIBA brought over thirty Israeli companies into the FIBA program and expanded its network of partners, advisors and investors.  We’re extremely grateful for the energy, ideas and talent she brought to the position.” 

Bachur-Phillips, the release states, will oversee planning, marketing and partnerships in Israel and Florida, while Miniati will head up FIBA’s operations, programming and the organization’s portfolio of more than 40 companies and a network of advisors.