Joe Karlgaard

Joe Karlgaard is HITE EQ’s Chief Business Officer. He has been critical in developing the company’s product and shaping the strategy for launch in the collegiate market. He also oversees the company’s advisory board and works closely with team on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. A former Division I athletics director, coach, and student-athlete, Karlgaard brings over 25 years of experience in college athletics to his role at HITE EQ. While leading the athletics department at Rice University, the Owls topped Conference USA in championships won while maintaining the highest cumulative grade point average in the league. Karlgaard’s strategic visioning and strong relationships secured Rice an invitation to the American Athletic Conference in 2021. A keen identifier of talent and potential, he also hired three staff members who later became Division I athletics directors. Most recently, Karlgaard was a partner and CEO of GSV Summit, the world’s top convener of education technology founders, investors, and consumers. Karlgaard lives in Minneapolis with his wife Jill, three sons, and their beagle. He enjoys the outdoors, especially running and attending his sons’ sporting events. Karlgaard has completed five marathons, including the 2018 and 2019 Boston Marathon.