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SSTI Appoints Four Distinguished Leaders to Board
Four leading members of the technology-based economic development community were elected to the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) board of trustees today, each bringing fresh perspective and unique insight on issues affecting SSTI’s nationwide network of policymakers and practitioners working to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation.
The four will join SSTI’s existing nine trustees in providing strategic guidance and oversight for the organization’s 39 state sponsors and 148 affiliates and supporters. Representing government, higher education and industry sectors, the new appointees are:
- Rebecca Bagley, deputy secretary for the Technology Investment Office of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which serves as a catalyst for growth and competitiveness for Pennsylvania companies and universities;
- Ernest “Ernie” Dianastasis, managing director of CAI’s Delaware Valley Operation, a global information technology consulting, integrating and outsourcing services organization and chairman of First State Innovation, a nonprofit initiative to foster a more entrepreneurial environment in Delaware and the surrounding region;
- William “Brit” Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, encompassing 11 universities, two regional higher education centers and two research institutions; and,
- Catherine Renault, director, Office of Innovation in the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, which oversees and evaluates all programs that receive state funding for R&D and science advisor to the governor.
“This is an impressive group of accomplished leaders, each knowledgeable in both policy and practice” said John Engler, former Michigan governor and chair of the SSTI Board. “Their combined expertise is a welcome addition to the board and their contributions will enable SSTI to further its mission.”
Existing board members include former Michigan governor and SSTI Board Chairman John Engler, former Massachusetts governor and Vice Chairman Michael Dukakis, Richard Bendis, Michael Cassidy, Michael Finney, Angeline Goodwin, Bruce Mehlman, Luis Proenza and Phillip Singerman.
SSTI also recognizes the following departing board members for their outstanding contributions and leadership: John Ahlen, president of Arkansas Science and Technology Authority and Don Almquist, retired chairman, president and CEO of Delco Electronics Corporation.
All board member biographies are available at http://www.ssti.org/board.htm.