Downing to step down at Georgia Tech

Chris Downing (pictured) will end 31 years at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) when he stands down as vice-president and director of the institution’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) on June 1.
EI2 handles Georgia Tech’s technology commercialisation program in addition to economic development and the provision of services for industry.
The process of finding Downing’s successor will be led by the office of Georgia Tech’s executive vice-president for research, however an interim appointment is expected by May 30.
Downing plans to remain connected to Georgia Tech’s activities, though no longer in a full-time capacity. He was hailed by Georgia Tech for a “legacy of leadership” that has helped increase its capacity and stature in areas such as outreach, entrepreneurship and startup support.
He started at Georgia Tech’s Research Institute as a senior research engineer in 1988 having joined from technology firm IBM, before moving over in 1996 to work for EI2, then known as the Economic Development Institute.
His employment at E12 started as the Griffin regional office manager for southern metropolitan Atlanta, before a promotion to head of industry services in 2005 which involved him taking responsibility for a number of the institute’s outreach programs.
Downing’s work at E12 was rewarded by further promotions to associate vice-president in 2013 and then finally to the position of vice-president in 2016.
During his tenure, Downing helped steer a major expansion of Georgia Tech accelerator Advanced Technology Development Center, as well as the launch of its Venture Center hub for startups, corporates, investors and nonprofit organisations.
His efforts helped Georgia Tech and EI2 secure the Innovation Award in 2014 from higher education advocacy organisation Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
More recently, Downing has helmed a feasibility study to expand one of Georgia Tech’s research complexes, the Technology Enterprise Park, into a comprehensive life sciences and tech innovation district.
George Peterson, president of Georgia Tech, said: “Chris has been a tireless champion and supporter of our economic development initiatives, working to maintain strong partnerships across the state while creating new collaborations.
“We appreciate his leadership role as Georgia Tech partners with the state to strengthen Georgia’s economy.”