THIEL COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PROFILE OF DISTINCTION
Catherine V. Mott Board Term: 2008-2017 Current Hometown: Mercer, Pa. Family: Husband, John F. Logan ’65 Current Occupation: CEO and Founder of Blue Tree Venture Fund and BlueTree Allied Angels
Catherine Mott is the founder of BlueTree Capital Group, BlueTree Allied Angels, and the BlueTree Venture Fund located in a suburb of Pittsburgh. BlueTree Allied Angels is one of 450+ professionally managed private (angel) investor networks in the United States and Canada. As of December 2015, Blue Tree Allied Angels [had] invested $38+ million in 48 start-up companies. The venture fund has $10 million under management. Mott is the past Chairman of the Angel Capital Education Foundation (aka, Angel Resource Institute), an organization that researches angel capital, tracks angel capital, and provides education to bring professionalism and ethics to the industry. Mott has been quoted or featured in many professional industry publications as one of the few women who represent the industry of angel capital/venture capital – Red Herring, The Scientist, The New York Times, Erie Times-News, The Wall Street Journal, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and the Pittsburgh Business Times. Mott holds an M.B.A. in Finance, a B.S. in Education and a master’s degree in education. She lives in Mercer, Pa. with her husband, John Logan ’65. Why is being a part of the Board of Trustees important to you? I grew up in Greenville and I greatly value Thiel’s contribution to the local community and the local economy. Why should alumni consider giving back to their alma mater? Thiel provides the foundation for many to have a successful career and most importantly, a successful life. Thiel’s focus on the “whole student” is unique and I am more than pleased to support it; and I hope others value it in the same manner by donating to its continued success. Describe your areas of interest related to Thiel College through your service on the Board of Trustees. Governance, Student Life, and Finance How have your perceptions of Thiel College evolved from when you were a Greenville resident to now as a Trustee? I am thrilled to see Thiel grow financially and provide new facilities and continue to hire good people who support the mission of Thiel. I am especially thrilled to see a female take the helm of the ship!
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From your vantage point as a trustee, what advice would you be willing to offer Thiel College students pursuing their degree? Make the most of everything in front of you because it will find a place to help you later in life. Never miss a beat! Now that Thiel College has wrapped up its 150th anniversary, what do you think the future for the College looks like? Thiel will be a leader in small liberal arts education and continue to be a cornerstone of the Greenville community. What are your “words to live by?” The choices we make today drive the results we have tomorrow. What is the “one thing” you like best about Thiel College today? The staff and faculty are absolutely the best—they are student-focused. What is something you try to do every time you return to campus? Talk to students. What is your proudest moment? Marrying a good man who is such a good person! What do you do in your spare time? Exercise and read.