Aug 23 2011
The Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN), a non-profit commercialization center dedicated to the development and growth of nanobiotechnology related industries, announced today that Griffith Kundahl has been named Executive Director of the organization.
Kundahl brings extensive leadership experience and abilities to the post. He has an impressive history of achievements providing strategic business and legal direction to an array of national and international clients and commercial organizations. The appointment is effective immediately.
Griffith Kundahl, new Executive Director of The Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN).
"As Executive Director of COIN, Griff will direct a talented team, and a broad base of stakeholders focused on stimulating the commercialization of nanobiotechnologies, locally, nationally and internationally," says Roger Cubicciotti, Chairman of the COIN Board of Directors and President of Nanomedica Inc.
"I am honored to be selected as the new Executive Director of COIN," Kundahl says. "I look forward to working with the experienced and knowledgeable COIN Board and staff as well as the organization's broad constituent base. We will focus our efforts to hasten commercial development in this field which holds such tremendous potential for improving the human condition via breakthrough innovations in healthcare, energy, agriculture and the environment."
"COIN has established an important role in the complex process of commercialization in this sector by strategically aligning across the value chain with the investment community, universities, researchers, and government labs and regulatory agencies. COIN's reach is global, giving it significant potential to become the global conduit for critical technology and regulatory progress," says Rob Burns, Senior Vice President for Boston-based Lux Research.
Kundahl has an extensive background in emerging technology law, public policy, communications, and industry relations. He formerly served as General Counsel of the NanoBusiness Alliance, the national trade association for the nanotechnology community, as well as Executive Chairman of the Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance. He was also the Vice President for Convergence (nano, bio and IT) in the Life Sciences section of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. Most recently, Kundahl served at the University of Denver School of Engineering and Computer Science as Director of Global Programs. Kundahl holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree from The University of Alabama and a law degree from The University of Denver.
In one of his first duties in the post, Kundahl will appear at the global COMS (Commercialization of Micro-Nano Systems) conference from August 28-31 in Greensboro, NC. COIN is co-hosting the COMS conference along with the Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation. The COMS conference features a host of international experts focused on technology transfer, investment, manufacturing processes, market development, regulatory issues, and education and workforce development.