Dr. Sundeep "Sunny" Dronawat is a seasoned entrepreneur, community leader, and champion of economic growth in Louisville. With a distinguished academic background (PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, and MBA from University of Louisville) and a proven record in business leadership, Sunny brings a unique blend of expertise to every venture he undertakes.
In 1992, Sunny arrived in Louisville as an immigrant graduate student, armed with only $50 and no familiar faces. Against all odds, he has not only forged a successful career but also found a home in this city. Married for a quarter-century, he and his wife are proud parents of two daughters, 21 and 18, who are JCPS alumni and are now pursuing higher education.
Building Businesses, Building Louisville:
> Sunny's enterprising spirit is evident in his success stories. He co-founded and led multiple companies, including POS on Cloud (acquired by Newtek in 2019) and Samiteon, a leading provider of AI and IT Services, which was recently given a STEP grant for export promotion. Notably, he constructed a $13 million sustainable hotel with La Quinta of Louisville on Old Henry Road, demonstrating his commitment to both economic development and environmental responsibility. Sunny Dronawat is a partner in Triple Crown Holdings, a real estate fund with over $75 Million in Assets under Management. Sunny is also a partner in PlayPickleBall Club, an innovative indoor pickle ball facility. Sunny leads Fetal life, an NIH funded Medical Device company that has a pregnancy device in clinical trial for FDA approval. He is the Principal Investigator for a $2.0 Million grant from NIH for improving medical care of underserved and minority communities.
Leadership and Community Service:
> Sunny's dedication extends beyond the boardroom. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Louisville Water Company and on the Board of Jefferson Community and Technical College and Advisory Board of University of Louisville School of Business. Recognized as a Kentucky Colonel and a recipient of the prestigious MOSAIC Award for outstanding immigrant in Louisville, Sunny's dedication to community service is undeniable. He was appointed for a second term as Commissioner, Kentucky Commission on Small Business Innovation and Advocacy by Governor Andy Beshear. Has been awarded Alumni of the Year by University of Louisville – Speed Scientific School – 2018. Sunny’s policy paper on Big Data Governance was used by Electronic Transaction Association to present policy on Big Data which is precursor to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Obama White House.
Key Accomplishments:
– PhD, Chemical Engineering and MBA from University of Louisville, Healthcare Innovation Certificate from Harvard Medical School.
– Built and sold multiple successful companies, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
– Led the Louisville Water Company, a vital public infrastructure asset.
– Championed sustainability initiatives through innovative hotel construction.
– Actively involved in community development through various board positions.
– Recognized for outstanding contributions as a business leader and immigrant.
A Passion for the Future:
> Dr. Sundeep "Sunny" Dronawat is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of Louisville's economic landscape. His commitment to innovation, community service, and sustainable growth positions him to make significant contributions in the years to come.
EDUCATION
– 2023 Healthcare Innovation, Harvard Medical School.
– 2002 MBA, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
– 1995 Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
– 1992 M.TECH, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INDIA
BOARD POSITIONS
– Chairperson of the Board, Louisville Water Company
– Advisory Board Business School, University of Louisville
– Board Member Jefferson Community and Tech College
– Commissioner, Kentucky Commission on Small Business Innovation and Advocacy
– Member, Kentucky Work ready skills Advisory committee.
– Past Board Member Kentucky State Park Foundation
– Board Member Indian Community of Kentucky
– Board Member Indian Professional Council of Kentucky
– Big Data Committee, Electronic Transaction Association (ETA)
– Contineo, an educational software company
– Chairperson of Board, Samiteon and Fetal Life, Inc.
CERTIFICATIONS
– Fellow of Life Management Institute
– Fellow of Financial Services Institute
AWARDS
– Alumni Fellow of Year 2018 University of Louisville- Speed Scientific School
– Kentucky Colonel
– 2015 Leadership Louisville Class
– Business First of Louisville’s “Top Forty under 40” in 2004
– 2008 MOSAIC award by Jewish Community Foundation of Louisville for community service and outstanding immigrant
– La Quinta Hotel wins the Kilowatt Award for Green Energy by Louisville Sustainability Council – 2022
 
ACADEMIC
– Adjunct Professor at Bellarmine University
– Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Southeast
– Sunny has published over ten papers in peer reviewed Scientific Journals
– Principal Investigator for a $2 Million NIH grant to work on medical devices for underserved and minority communities.