Gannon University Names Parnell Executive Director of Erie Technology Incubator
Posted: August 9, 2013Gannon University has announced that the Board of Directors of
the Erie Technology Incubator has named Jeffrey H. Parnell as the
Incubator's executive director. He had been serving in that
position in an interim capacity since March succeeding Russell V.
Combs, when was named managing director of the Technology Business
Incubator at the WESST Enterprise Center in Albuquerque, N.M.
In this position Parnell is responsible for the search for,
evaluation of and negotiation with prospective entrepreneurs; and
is responsible for strategic planning, developing and implementing
operational plans and procedures, and oversight of staff and
interns.
During his brief tenure as interim executive director, Parnell
has established a partnership with the Ben Franklin Technology
Partners to co-sponsor their $35,000 BIG IDEA Business Plan
Contest, recruited six new mentors and four new tenant
companies.
Parnell has extensive experience in a wide range of business
sectors, including multi-channel retailing, manufacturing,
financial services and consulting, including C-level positions and
entrepreneurial start-up companies.
He joined Erie Technology Incubator in 2011 as a mentor/advisor
and has served as an adjunct instructor in the University's
Dahlkemper School of Business and at Mercyhurst University's Walker
School of Business.
The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University provides the
resources, expertise, and mentoring to support, nurture and
transform early-stage companies in the scientific, engineering and
information technologies sectors during the critical over a
three-five year period after their founding.
Housed in a 33,000 square-foot facility at 130 W. Eighth St.,
the Erie Technology Incubator is currently home to 16 resident
companies, and is working with six other companies in the
community. Since the Incubator's creation, client companies have
been responsible for more than $25 million in capital investments
acquired, more than $1 million of capital expenditures into the
local economy and the creation of 70 jobs. These private-sector
companies are the employers of tomorrow, and are establishing their
headquarters in the heart of the City of Erie.