Michelle Simms, the longtime CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador startup hub Genesis is stepping down from the role, she announced Tuesday.

Simms, who has worked at Genesis for 22 years and been Chief Executive since 2016, said in a social media post that she is leaving the role to pursue another, as-yet-undisclosed opportunity, with her last day on the job slated to be May 24.

“Undoubtedly, the greatest part of my job, and the hardest part to leave, are the people I have had the pleasure of working with,” wrote Simms. “Your passion is unmatched, and I am forever grateful to call you all colleagues. 

“Genesis has given me more than I ever could have imagined--I am leaving with a lifetime of cherished memories, friendships, and lessons. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who helped make the last 22 years such an incredible experience!”

At Genesis, Simms has presided over the growth of the organization as one of the core components of the Newfoundland startup ecosystem and led a team that worked with several of the most valuable innovation businesses in the province’s history.

For example, Verafin co-founders Jamie King, Brendan Brothers and Raymond Pretty relied heavily on Genesis’s services in their company’s early days. In 2021, they sold the company to Nasdaq for US$2.75 billion. And the same year, Mysa Smart Thermostats, which was incubated at Genesis under Simms’ tenure, raised a Series B round of more than $20 million.

Simms' announcement drew praise from her counterparts at other startup support organizations, as well as companies she has worked with, such as medical device-maker Granville Biomedical.

Said Brett Vokey, Founder and CEO of BreatheSuite, in a message to SImms: "It should not be understated the impact you've made on the NL startup ecosystem. Hundreds of companies have navigated their ways to market, establishing a great foundation for economy moving forward."