Kayla Meisner, MEng, CLP

Kayla Meisner, MEng, CLP, is a nationally recognized leader in academic technology commercialization and technology-based economic development. She currently serves as Executive Director of Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) an initiative of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), where she leads a first-of-its-kind statewide public-private partnership designed to unlock the potential of research emerging from Kentucky’s regional universities and community and technical colleges.

Kayla is the Principal Investigator of nearly $10 million in National Science Foundation awards, KCV EDGE and KCV INVENT, advancing Kentucky’s research infrastructure, accelerating commercialization, and strengthening the state’s innovation workforce pipeline. Under her leadership, KCV has become a catalytic force in the state’s innovation ecosystem by bridging academic discovery with entrepreneurship, investment, and market translation to drive measurable economic impact. She also serves as Executive Director of the Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance (KYIPA), a statewide initiative that advances intellectual property (IP)
education and awareness across academia, small businesses, and the innovation community, in alignment with national efforts to expand access to IP resources and training.

Kayla is a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), a credential held by fewer than 1,000 professionals worldwide, underscoring her expertise in licensing, IP strategy, and venture development. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Bioengineering from the University of Louisville.

In addition to her executive roles, Kayla is the Senior Vice President of Membership for LES USA and Canada, leading strategic initiatives to grow and engage a diverse international membership base and supporting professional development for innovation practitioners across North America. She is also an active member of AUTM, where she has served as a contributing writer, speaker, and longtime member of the Diversity & Inclusion Special Interest Group, amplifying underrepresented voices in research and innovation.

Kayla is a Kentucky Colonel, the highest civilian honorary title bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, recognizing individuals for outstanding service, community contributions, and notable achievements.