Announcing the Appointment of Kassie Tucker as Executive Director of the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY)
We are pleased to share that Kassie Tucker has been appointed Executive Director of the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale, effective immediately. This appointment recognizes Kassie’s longstanding leadership, deep understanding of the Yale entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, and her commitment to supporting student creativity and venture development.
Kassie has been part of Tsai CITY since the center’s inception. Building on her earlier work at the former Yale Entrepreneurial Institute (YEI), she contributed to the design of its earliest programs, supported the first cohort of student innovators, and helped establish the system and processes that enabled the center to grow into a core resource for innovation at Yale.
Over her tenure, Kassie has held a variety of leadership roles, managing programs, building cross-campus partnerships, advancing operational strategy, and strengthening student-facing initiatives. Her work has played a central role in shaping Tsai CITY’s student venture development programs, expanding student access to resources, and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving.
Before joining Yale, Kassie held positions at MIT Sloan School of Management and Boston University, where she developed and launched programs and advised entrepreneurial students. Her extensive experience in higher education continues to guide the center’s strategic direction.
Leading the Next Chapter
As Executive Director, Kassie will guide Tsai CITY through its next phase of development, focusing on expanding student opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the systems that support innovation across the university.
“Stepping into this role is both humbling and energizing. Tsai CITY has grown into a vital part of Yale’s innovation landscape, and I’m proud to continue advancing the work we began years ago. I look forward to deepening our partnerships, strengthening our core programs, and opening new pathways for students to imagine, experiment, and create meaningful impact,” Kassie shares.
Her leadership priorities include deepening the center’s impact and expanding Tsai CITY’s reach across campus and beyond.
“I’m thrilled to see Kassie step into this role. After eight years of working alongside her, I can say without hesitation that this promotion is profoundly well-deserved. Her leadership is shaped by adaptability, collaboration, and genuine compassion, and her positive presence continually strengthens and inspires our team,”says Abby Winslow, director of operations and technology, who’s worked with Kassie since Tsai CITY’s inception.
What’s Next
In the months ahead, Kassie will continue to advance Tsai CITY’s mission by expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and elevating the impact of student innovators across Yale and beyond.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Kassie in many capacities over the past six years—first as my supervisor when I joined the Tsai CITY team, and most recently as a co-leader, office mate, and trusted thought partner,” said Zoe Hunter, managing director. “I’m thrilled to see her step into the executive director role. Kassie brings both vision and heart to this work, and I have such confidence in the impact she’ll make at the helm.”
We invite the Yale community to join us in celebrating this important milestone for Tsai CITY and for a leader who has been instrumental in the center’s development for the very beginning.