Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina Research Authority announces that William “Bill” Kirkland has been named by Governor Henry McMaster as chairperson of the SCRA Board of Trustees. He replaces long-time chairperson Don Herriott.
Kirkland served as executive director of the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement, the University’s central point of convergence for industry, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and government to collaborate and implement entrepreneurial partnerships. The office offers industry partnerships for innovation coming out of USC, facilities for emerging entrepreneurs, and assistance with licensing new technologies, all of which are complementary to SCRA’s core services.
In his role at USC, Mr. Kirkland regularly collaborated with SCRA on projects to accelerate the growth of innovation coming from USC.
“Bill brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. In addition to his work at USC, he has an extensive background in business, including serving in senior leadership at both IBM and Pfizer as well as multiple startups,” said SCRA President and CEO Bob Quinn. “His experience will be an asset to the board and the organization. I also want to thank our former Board of Trustees Chair Don Herriott for his many years of leadership and unwavering support.”
Bill Kirkland will join ten other executive committee trustees and 13 additional board trustees.
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About SCRA
https://scra.org/
Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. SCRA provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups, and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
Media Contact
Adrianne Grimes
Director of Marketing and Communications, SCRA
843- 277-7295
adrianne.grimes@scra.org
