Marshall University Vice President for Research John M. Maher has been elected chairman of the board of TechConnect West Virginia.
A statewide economic development organization, TechConnect fosters and promotes innovation-based businesses and entrepreneurial activities. The group’s members represent education and research, private industry and the public sector.
Anne Barth, TechConnect executive director, said, “A longtime member of our board, Dr. Maher brings significant value to the position of chairman. His background in research and new business development in the private sector, as well as his current role leading the research enterprise at Marshall University, give him insight that benefits our organization greatly. We are pleased to have him engaged in this leadership position.”
Maher joined Marshall in 2007. In addition to his vice president role, he also serves as executive director of the Marshall University Research Corporation. From 2003 to 2007, he was the executive director of the Chemical Alliance Zone, a collaborative devoted to economic development in the chemical and allied sectors. Before that, he worked for 21 years at the Union Carbide Corporation, serving in a broad range of technical and managerial assignments in areas as diverse as catalysis research, plant technology support, intellectual property management, capital project execution and new business development.
