General Matter Program Manager Adds Deep Experience Scaling Innovative Infrastructure Companies
We’re excited to share some great news from the Sprocket community: Jantien Shizuru has officially joined Sprocket’s Board of Directors.
Jantien currently serves as Program Manager for General Matter’s Paducah Project, and she brings with her deep experience scaling complex infrastructure and energy startups, along with a genuine commitment to Western Kentucky’s entrepreneurial future.
Experience Scaling Bold Ideas
Jantien’s career has taken her through some of the most innovative infrastructure companies in the country. She previously worked at The Boring Company, where she supported construction of the company’s first R&D test tunnel and played a key role in developing, constructing, and operating its first commercial Loop system in Las Vegas.
After her time at The Boring Company, Jantien moved into the energy sector at Heliogen, where she worked on both R&D and utility-scale concentrated solar projects. Her role spanned project planning, design and construction, regulatory compliance, government relations, and community outreach. This experience translates directly to the kinds of challenges many founders face when scaling real-world solutions.
A Commitment to Paducah & Western Kentucky
“The Paducah community is one that I feel privileged to be a part of, and I am so excited for the opportunity to be a part of the incredible work that Sprocket does to support entrepreneurs in Western Kentucky and beyond,” Jantien shared. “As someone who has spent the majority of my career scaling infrastructure startups, I look forward to leveraging this experience in support of the growing startup ecosystem here in Paducah.”
Her connection to the region runs deeper than a title. Through her work with General Matter’s Paducah Project, Jantien has already been actively involved in Western Kentucky’s economic development efforts. Her board service with Sprocket extends that impact across our full 22-county service region.
Bringing Operations, Capital, & Community
Jantien began her career as an investment analyst working on private equity and venture capital investments for the Kamehameha Schools Investment Management Group. This early experience gives her a rare dual perspective, understanding both the operational realities of scaling startups and the financial frameworks that support sustainable growth.
She holds a B.S.E. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Princeton University, further grounding her work in technical rigor and systems thinking.
Why This Matters for Sprocket
Jantien’s addition to the board comes at a pivotal moment for Sprocket as we continue working to position Western Kentucky as a hub for innovation across technology, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, and beyond.
Her experience navigating complex regulatory environments, managing large-scale projects, and building strong relationships with government and community stakeholders aligns closely with Sprocket's mission.
“Jantien brings exactly the kind of expertise our region needs as we support entrepreneurs tackling complex challenges across multiple industries,” said Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket. “Her experience scaling startups from concept to commercial operations, combined with her commitment to the Paducah community, makes her an invaluable addition to our board.”
We’re grateful to welcome Jantien to the Sprocket leadership team and look forward to the insight, perspective, and momentum she’ll bring as we continue supporting founders across Western Kentucky.
About Sprocket
Sprocket supports entrepreneur-led economic growth by helping founders build companies that bring new revenue into the region, attract investment, and create long-term impact. Through programs like Market Fit Lab, Sprocket focuses on quality, discipline, and outcomes.