Florida University announced yesterday that Jim O’Connell (pictured) has replaced David Day, outgoing director of technology transfer at the university’s Office of Technology Licensing (OTL), who is retiring after 16 years in the role.
O’Connell, formerly the director of technology transfer at University of Miami, has already begun in the role. He will hold the position of associate vice-president for commercialisation and director, Office of Technology Licensing.
He intends to join with Kent Fuchs, president of Florida University, to make the institution one of the top five public universities in research, tech transfer and companies generated.
At University of Miami, O’Connell dealt with biomedical technologies on a much smaller scale than at Florida University. Prior to his time at Miami, he worked for Michigan University, which by research dollars is the largest public research university.
Under Day’s tenure, Florida University has consistently ranked among the top universities for spinouts launched and licensing agreements signed. Indeed, Day oversaw a total of 195 biomedical and technology spinouts and generated more than $1bn in investment.
Among recent spinouts from the university are biotech firm Florida Biologix and 3D mapping and modelling specialist Paracosm.
O’Connell said: “Following David Day is a tough act. In addition to building a tremendous office in tech transfer, he has established Florida University as a presence nationally.
“I hope to bring my experience to bear in aligning my goals with Dr Fuchs’. I want to make Florida one of the top five public universities in research, tech transfer and in startups produced.”
– Image courtesy of LinkedIn
