Headline

Associate Vice President for Economic Development @ Ga Tech | External Relations | Economic Growth | Innovation Communities

About

PROFILE: I love what I do. Create connections and establish partnerships that advance economic growth and build communities of innovation. Provide leadership and guidance to enhance GT's impact on statewide economic development. Through collaboration with public and private sector partners, I work to advance and grow the region as a technology and innovation hub. Oversee economic development and ecosystem initiatives for Technology Square, Science Square, and other hubs associated with Georgia Tech. Working closely with partners, I lead efforts to establish corporate innovation and technology development operations onsite and activate these hubs as communities of innovation. I provide leadership and guidance to develop and promote ecosystem-building activities and partnerships to help create an environment for innovation and growth. Working with regional economic development partners, I build relationships with businesses, universities, and the startup ecosystem to advance economic growth opportunities in strategic industry sectors across Georgia. LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE: Technology-based Economic Development Innovation District Leadership Building Communities of Innovation University Engagement for Economic Development Public-Private Partnerships (industry/university/government) Strategy Development - Innovation, Technology, and Talent

Location

Atlanta

Work experience

Associate Vice President for Economic Development at Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 6 mos, Greater Atlanta Area, Responsible for developing partnerships and strategic initiatives in economic development that leverage Georgia Tech's strengths in education, research, and innovation. Create partnerships with industry and government to support and accelerate new investment and economic growth in Georgia. • Support statewide economic development efforts by representing the unique elements of Georgia Tech to companies looking to relocate or expand in the state. • Build and maintain strong relationships with local industry partners and the startup ecosystem to champion economic development opportunities. Develop partnership strategies that strengthen industry ecosystems across the state. For Technology Square, Science Square, and other Georgia Tech innovation hubs lead collaboration to build communities of innovation - amplifying these districts as a platform for discovery and innovation with partners. • Lead Georgia Tech's partner efforts with industry involving the creation and operation of innovation, research, or technology centers located in our districts. • Promote and facilitate the network of resources and outreach activities that encourage innovation and entrepreneurial collaboration with companies in our innovation districts.

Director (Strategic Partnerships | Economic Development ) at Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005 - 2015 · 10 yrs, Greater Atlanta Area, At the request of the Provost and the Executive Vice President of Technology Ventures, helped to establish an office to advance the Institute’s efforts in external collaboration and strategic partnerships. My role was to structure a plan to collaborate more comprehensively with high-growth companies, focusing on statewide economic development outcomes and place based (innovation district) development. Concurrent with a dual appointment with the University System of Georgia (USG.) Key Responsibilities: • Higher Education Partnerships: Lead higher education partnership efforts as part of economic development activities with government and industry partners across the state. • Stakeholder Leadership: Provide leadership among statewide stakeholders to accelerate the growth of Tech Square and plans for other emerging innovation districts. • Innovation Ecosystem Integration: Accelerated the connection across an innovation ecosystem that combines startup companies, university research, and large corporate partners within Technology Square and other place-based investments. • Corporate Partnerships : Prototype effective frameworks and approaches for companies to establish innovation and technology development operations at Technology Square. Examples of Initiatives: • Cultivating open innovation networks between large enterprises, startups, and the campus community. • Establishing joint research and commercialization projects. • Aligning and directing talent acquisition and development programs. • Initiating innovation challenges and competitions.

Director of Strategic Initiatives & New Projects at Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs, Greater Atlanta Area, Responsible for developing, resource planning, and executing various special projects, including piloting new ventures and projects for Georgia Tech and the Vice Provost for Economic Development & Technology Ventures. Examples included: • Developed and led a unique multi-agency economic development program to serve high growth companies in Georgia. This partnership was cited as a notable BRE practice and innovative approach for developing and retaining existing high growth industries. • Established relationships with high growth firms, assessed their challenges, and directed university resources to meet growth plans. • In support of US DoD grant programs to improve economic growth capacity of defense communities, coordinated communication across multiple state agencies, the Governor’s office, and higher education systems in Georgia.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Economic Development | Industry Engagement at Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, 2015 - 2019 · 4 yrs, Greater Atlanta Area, (Concurrent to the role with Georgia Tech) Served in a joint appointment with the Board of Regents - University System of Georgia to provide leadership and support to the USG’s economic development initiatives in the areas of business recruitment and expansion with the state, creation of innovation hubs, talent development, and enhancing access to the assets of the university system. Enhanced the capacity of public university teams to respond to industry talent and growth requirements. Developed a corporate engagement strategy for tech-led economic development initiatives from the Board of Regents and Governor’s Office. Worked with USG teams, industry, and government to identify opportunities to expand the impact of higher education on economic development.

Director, Economic Development at Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, 2007 - 2015 · 8 yrs, Greater Atlanta Area, (Concurrent to the role with Georgia Tech) • Formed, organized, and led USG teams, amplifying public university capabilities and resources to support the needs of corporate clients and the state of Georgia’s economic development goals. • Presented and interpreted details and implementation of USG resources and programs to economic development organizations, industry leaders, and state agencies.

Fulbright Scholar - International Exchange at The Fulbright Program, Oct 2013 - Oct 2013 · 1 mo, Germany / France, Selected by the US-German Fulbright Commission international exchange to gain in-depth knowledge about the host country’s higher education system as well as to establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues in Germany. Countries visited: Germany, Poland and France. Focus area: university-industry collaboration, commercialization and economic development.

Naval Officer at US Navy, 1987 - 2009 · 22 yrs, Worldwide, Served as leader and mentor with over 20 years of active duty and reserve experience in a wide range of executive and operational assignments worldwide. Demonstrated excellence in team building, leadership, and management. Lived and worked in multiple countries. Successfully worked with international partners, including political and military leadership.

Education

BS, Industrial Management, Georgia Institute of Technology

MA, Economics, University of Oklahoma