Jenn Apicella Named Interim Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network

A familiar face has been named the new interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, or PRN. Jenn Apicella, who previously served as vice president at PRN, will lead the organization following Joel Reed's announcement yesterday that he is stepping down to explore other opportunities in robotics.

“I am excited to continue this important work of expanding opportunities for our robotics workforce, companies and ecosystem, allowing our region to directly influence the advancement, adoption and commercialization of robotics worldwide," Apicella said in a statement. "The Pittsburgh region is an established leader, known around the globe for our excellence in robotics and autonomous systems across multiple industries. I will continue to build on the strong foundation that Joel Reed and his predecessors have already established, catalyzed even further by new programs, partners and strategic alignment with our regional economic development leaders.”

Apicella has helped PRN build out its programs and partnerships

In her role as vice president, Apicella helped oversee PRN's programs, partnerships, and development, according to a blog post on PRN's website. The organization highlighted Apicella's accomplishment, noting that she is "well-poised in this new role to continue to make a strong impact, fostering the growth and development of Pittsburgh’s globally recognized robotics sector with the full support of the PRN Board of Directors."

Apicella was hired by PRN in 2021 as a program director. She previously founded Build412 Tech, a Pittsburgh-based community collaborative designed for professionals working in technology.

In a comment on PRN's LinkedIn, Reed noted the positive work Apicella has done and highlighted the importance of the organization.

"I'm so relieved to have Jennifer taking the reins. She has been a key player in building the network that's brought us all together," he said. "She's so passionate about building trusted relationships and value-based programs. I'm here to support her and the organization going forward. We, in the Pittsburgh robotics community, need the PRN to be successful. That only makes our jobs easier. Onward and upward."

Editor's note: Robotics 24/7 has reached out to Apicella for comment and will update the story if/when we hear back.