-Individuals Represent Innovative Companies and Organizations in the Region-
RICHMOND – At the June meeting of The Innovation Council, two new members and two current members were elected.
REAPPOINTMENT
- Robby Demeria, Executive Director, RichTech (represents business organizations) – Term expires June 30, 2019
- Todd Nuckols, Co-Founder, Lighthouse Labs (represents regional accelerator) – Term expires June 30, 2019
APPOINTMENT
- Lisa Sims, Interim Executive Director, Venture Richmond (represents other: quality of place) – Term expires June 30, 2019
- Joe Tannery, Energy Technology Advisor, Dominion and DRIC Board (represents regional corporations who are major innovators and/or users of advanced technologies not
located in the Research Park, incubators and/or research entities) – Term expires June 30, 2018 (fulfilling unexpired term of John Larson who has taken on a
new role at Dominion)
Speaking about the appointments Carrie Roth, President & CEO of the Research Park, said, “Lisa and Joe will be great additions to The Innovation Council as both have a track record of having innovative ideas and proven successes. The reappointments of Todd and Robby demonstrate their significance in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation space. All four members will be able to continue to impact the region and move the needle in making our region a destination for all things innovative.”
Dr. Rao, Chairman of The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority and The Innovation Council, noted, “These individuals have all contributed in meaningful ways to the Richmond region and we are looking forward to having them be a part of moving the needle in the innovation ecosystem.”
The Innovation Council membership includes the President and Vice President of Research and Innovation of VCU, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Mayor of the City of Richmond,
Henrico County Manager, Chesterfield and Hanover County Administrators, and President/CEO of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park serve as ex officio directors of The Innovation Council. Remaining directors include owner director representatives of companies in the Research Park meeting certain criteria, and individuals representing regional corporations who are major innovators and/or users of advanced technologies not located in the Research Park, incubators and/or research entities, Virginia community colleges, regional accelerators, private equity and/or venture capital investors, and entrepreneurs.
About The Innovation Council: The Innovation Council is a forum for collaboration and coordinated innovation activities amongst stakeholders in the Region. Its purpose is to set goals and metrics for innovation and lead efforts to fill gaps in the ecosystem. With the goal of promoting innovative activity and growth sectors through infrastructure for entrepreneurial, innovation and commercialization success, The Innovation Council will make the Richmond region a hub for knowledge-based startups, entrepreneurs and all things innovative.
About the Research Park: The Research Park is a life sciences community adjacent to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center―housing private sector companies, research institutes, non-profits, and state and federal laboratories on a 34-acre campus in downtown Richmond, Virginia. The Park is home to nearly 60 private and non-profit companies, state and federal laboratories, and research institutes/administrative functions of VCU and the VCU Health System, employing over 2,200 researchers, scientists, engineers and support personnel. Major member
organizations in the park include the VCU Innovation Gateway, the Altria Center for Research and Technology, United Network for Organ Sharing, True Health Diagnostic Laboratories and the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. The Park also has developed partnerships with neighboring Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico Counties to expand its 34-acre downtown campus to
extend the reach of the Research Park.
