Executive Forum with Mickey Swortzel, Operating Partner with Roll Tack Ventures

The Executive Forum is open to the public, as seating permits, and provides opportunities for the exchange of ideas and discussion of topics and issues facing business and management.

Mary “Mickey” Swortzel is an operating partner, board member, and technology-focused executive with a distinguished track record of building, scaling, and exiting high-growth software and technology-enabled companies.  Her leadership spans strategic finance, operational scale, governance, and go-to-market execution across sectors including artificial intelligence, autonomy, electrification, and advanced software platforms.

Mickey brings deep insight into company building at scale, shaped by hands on leadership of growth stage organizations, oversight of complex capital and operating structures, and board level engagement during periods of rapid expansion and strategic inflection.  She is recognized for translating strategy into execution, including designing operating systems, financial frameworks, and partner ecosystems that enable sustained growth while preserving culture and discipline.

As co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of New Eagle, Mickey helped lead the company from early-stage development through profitable scale and a successful exit. Under her leadership, New Eagle achieved consistent year-over-year revenue growth, transitioned from project-based work to a recurring revenue model, expanded globally, and became a DCAA-approved prime government contractor. She directed the strategic and operational choices required to scale, including development of proprietary software IP, establishment of a global partner and supply chain network, and successful participation in government-funded innovation programs.

Mickey has developed extensive governance and advisory experience through service on multiple boards and investment committees, where she contributes to go-to-market strategy, human capital development, compensation design, and investment decision-making. In her current role as Operating Partner at Roll Tack Ventures, she supports sourcing, diligence, and portfolio company execution, advising founders and leadership teams on growth strategy, operational readiness, and long-term value creation.

Throughout her career, Mickey has consistently guided organizations through complexity—balancing growth with discipline, aligning stakeholders, and strengthening competitive positioning in dynamic markets. She is a trusted advisor, navigating scale, transition, and leadership development.

Mickey holds an MBA from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Miami University. She has been recognized nationally for sustained profitable growth and workplace culture, and her insights on entrepreneurship and leadership have been featured in leading business publications.

She married into Purdue through her husband Rich, an Electrical Engineering graduate, and is a proud mom of recent Chemical Engineering graduate Michael. A devoted Purdue fan, she is a season ticket holder for basketball, football, and volleyball.