University System of Maryland's Momentum Fund has appointed Claire Johnson as its managing director, with David Wise leaving the position after two years.
University System of Maryland (USM) yesterday named Claire Broido Johnson (pictured) as the managing director of its $10m venture fund Maryland Momentum Fund (MMF).
She will replace David Wise, who had been managing director since the fund’s launch in 2017. Wise chose to leave to pursue other professional interests, a spokesperson for University of Maryland System told Global University Venturing.
Johnson’s role will involve sourcing and vetting prospective MMF investees, before guiding the young companies in conjunction with other USM departments.
Her goal will be to drive MMF towards its dual objectives of securing investment returns and fostering economic development.
Johnson has served as the founding president of energy consultancy firm CBJ Energy since 2011, and was interim vice-president of infrastructure at nonprofit student support program Thread until April 2019.
Johnson remains a board member at nonprofit education initiative Living Classrooms Foundation, and is on the advisory board of local incubator and co-working space Betamore.
Earlier in her career, Johnson co-founded solar energy services provider SunEdison in 2003, before later joining the US Department of Energy in 2009 as an energy efficiency adviser.
While at the department, she was involved with administering a $11bn stimulus package aimed at energy-efficient and renewable technologies.
Johnson also invests in a personal capacity. She is a member of syndicate Baltimore Angels and investment group Blu Ventures.
UMS launched MMF with a $10m contribution in early 2017, aiming to tap local investors for another $15m which has seemingly not materialised.
