IVCA Announces 2026 Board Leadership
Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA) is pleased to announce its Board and Executive Committee leadership for the year ahead.
Ira Weiss, Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, has assumed the role of Board Chair, and Shoshana Vernick, Managing Partner at Avathon Capital, will serve as Vice Chair. Ira and Shoshana bring deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to IVCA’s mission and member community. Under their leadership, IVCA will continue to advance its strategic priorities, strengthen member engagement, and support Illinois’s private equity and venture capital ecosystem through advocacy, education, and convening.
2026 Executive Committee
IVCA’s 2026 Executive Committee includes:
- Ira Weiss, Chair — Hyde Park Venture Partners, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Shoshana Vernick, Vice Chair — Avathon Capital
- Jeffrey Piper, Treasurer — Semper Fi Partners
- Phil Alphonse, Immediate Past Chair — The Vistria Group
IVCA also extends its sincere appreciation to Phil Alphonse for his leadership and service as Board Chair. During his tenure, Phil helped strengthen IVCA’s organizational foundation, supported key programs and initiatives, and positioned the association for continued growth. We are grateful for his contributions and continued engagement with the IVCA community.
To view the full IVCA Board of Directors, visit:
👉 https://illinoisvc.org/about/#bod