After a national search, the West Virginia Regional Technology Park (WVRTP or Tech Park) Board of Directors has appointed Matthew Ballard as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Ballard brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development and real estate in the region. Before joining the Park as the new CEO, Ballard has held the position of President/Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Area Alliance/Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2006. Ballard was also the Executive Director of Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority during its founding years and was instrumental in growing this significant tourism attraction in Southern West Virginia. The Higher Education Policy Commission reviewed and approved the appointment at a Special Meeting on this morning.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, WVRTP chairman David Hendrickson said, “As the Tech Park continues to grow, Matt Ballard brings the right expertise and leadership needed to advance the Park. He is a strong communicator, team oriented and customer focused with a proven record of strategic planning and execution.”
WVRTP Search committee chair, Michael Farrell, said “After interviewing the top candidates, we believe Matt is the best person at this time to lead the Tech Park and he has the unanimous support of our Board”. Ballard, who has been a WVRTP Board member, said, “the Tech Park is a significant asset for our community and the region. I am honored to work alongside the Board, the leadership team, and the staff to take the Park to the next level”.
The Park opened in 1949 as the Union Carbide Corporation Technology Center and became Union Carbide’s largest research and development center. After their merge with The Dow Chemical Company in 2001, other tenants were allowed to move on campus as well. In 2010, Dow Chemical donated the 258-acre park to the state of West Virginia. Today, there are approximately 900 individuals working at the Park. Our workforce come from 16 different counties and the total annual salary is just over 54 million dollars.
The Tech Park is the ideal location to transform an abstract idea into a completed, market-ready product. Core research and development areas include energy, chemicals and materials, and biotechnology. With a focus on developing new technologies and diversifying the state’s economy, plans for the Tech Park are aimed at translating investments in higher education and research into business and economic growth. Learn more at www.wvtechpark.com.
