Progress Report: NCInnovation Announces Four Regional Directors
Directors will lead NCInnovation’s regional operations, anchored by ECU, WCU, UNC Charlotte, and N.C. A&T State University
Marks next step in NCInnovation’s commitment to commercializing university research
Durham, NC – NCInnovation today announced the hiring of four Regional Innovation Network Directors who will be regionally based and lead the organization’s operations throughout the state.
Bennet Waters, CEO of NCInnovation, said, “This marks the next step in implementing NCInnovation’s model to commercialize university research. The UNC System is second-to-none, and our job is to help translate university research into economic output.”
The directors will report to Michelle Bolas, who previously led UNC-Chapel Hill’s research commercialization work. She now serves in the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at NCInnovation. Bolas said, “I’ve spent the past six months collaborating with university leaders in every corner of our state. We’re incredibly grateful to our university partners who have gone above and beyond to support our efforts, and we’re thrilled at the talent and expertise these four Regional Innovation Network Directors bring to the program. It’s time to get to work.”
The Regional Innovation Network Directors will implement key tenets of NCInnovation’s research commercialization model by:
- Connecting industry, capital, and academia to inform university research portfolios and identify commercialization opportunities;
- Monitoring and understanding university research activities to orient NCInnovation’s grantmaking opportunities;
- Collaborating with university leaders to help translate research into economic output.
One director will be based at each of four “anchor” universities in different parts of the state, and will manage NCInnovation activities at other universities in each region as well.
Regional Innovation Network Director, Charlotte (anchored by UNC Charlotte): Mary Lou Bourne
Ms. Bourne has master’s degrees in Higher Education Administration and in Integrated Science & Technology. For the past 18 years she held senior leadership roles at James Madison University, first as Director of Technology Transfer and then as Director of Technology Innovation & Economic Development.
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said, “UNC Charlotte’s Division of Research and research faculty are looking forward to working closely with NCInnovation and our new regional innovation network director to translate UNC Charlotte’s pioneering research into jobs. This important effort aligns well with Charlotte’s vision as a top-tier research university. Together, we are powering innovation and creating jobs for the Charlotte region and for North Carolina.”
Regional Innovation Network Director, Piedmont (anchored by N.C. A&T State University): Louis Judge
Mr. Judge holds an MBA from Winston-Salem State University and most recently led the Division of Corporate Education and Economic Development as Associate Vice President at Alamance Community College. Before that, Mr. Judge spent 13 years as Senior Licensing Associate and Director of Outreach and Technology Transfer at N.C. A&T State University.
N.C. A&T State University Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr., said, “We are pleased to have Louis Judge, a 2003 North Carolina A&T alumnus, leading NCInnovation’s efforts throughout the Piedmont Triad. He is well acquainted with the region’s needs and adept at identifying the ways our universities can meet them. North Carolina A&T, as a doctoral research university, is prepared to contribute significantly to the region’s economic future. We look forward to working with Mr. Judge to foster profitable innovation that advances the human condition.”
Regional Innovation Network Director, West (anchored by WCU): Meagan Coneybeer
Ms. Coneybeer holds a master’s degree in Horticulture Science from NC State University. She most recently served as Director of Mentorship and Research for the NC School of Science and Math’s western campus. Before that, she worked in the biosciences industry and academia.
WCU Chancellor Kelli Brown said, “We are excited to see that someone with Ms. Coneybeer’s talents has been tapped to be the NCInnovation network director assigned to Western Carolina University. I think the work that she will do through NCInnovation to translate faculty research into jobs will help us as a regional university in our mission to support our community. The grant and wrap-around services that she will help to provide to our faculty will be critical in the journey to commercialize their work.”
Regional Innovation Network Director, East (anchored by ECU): Derrick Welch
Mr. Welch, who has a master’s degree in public administration, previously served as Chief of Staff at the New Mexico Department of Education, Program Director at an award-winning economic development and startup accelerator at ECU, and Staff Director at the North Carolina Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations.
ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers said, “ECU has long been focused on contributing to lasting positive change in our region, and we are excited to serve as a hub for NCInnovation. This public-private partnership will help us translate research and innovations into commercialized products for industry, which will fuel economic development in eastern North Carolina. Mr. Welch’s familiarity with ECU, its programs, and its industry partners, along with his experience working in the region and with policymakers, make him a great choice to lead this pioneering venture.”
NCInnovation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation focused intensely on support for North Carolina public university research that has commercial promise. NCInnovation deploys funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept can turn into companies and create jobs that remain in North Carolina. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.