Techcolumbus Selects Walker As Chief Executive Officer
May 16, 2012 Columbus, OH - The TechColumbus Board of Directors announces the appointment of Tom D. Walker as the new CEO. "Tom is a nationally recognized leader in technology commercialization as well as company and job creation," said Ray Shealy, Search Committee Chair. "He is a transformational executive with proven success at originating and leading tech-based initiatives that accelerate economic growth. Tom brings exactly the credentials and the track record that we want in TechColumbus." Walker is looking forward to joining TechColumbus and understands the kind of support and assistance that entrepreneurs need to turn innovative ideas and scientific discoveries into high-growth businesses that benefit local and regional economies. "I'm honored to accept this opportunity and excited to join the Columbus area's entrepreneurial community," Walker said. "With the region's outstanding entrepreneurs and the committed resources and collaborative activity from the city, state, and partners, such as The Ohio Sate University, Battelle, Columbus 2020, and the Third Frontier, TechColumbus is positioned to achieve even greater outcomes and to enhance its national recognition as a model of new company formation and job creation." Since 2007, Walker has been the CEO and President of i2E, a private non-profit corporation focused on growing high-growth companies and making a positive impact on Oklahoma's economy. He was part of the i2E founding team, and prior to becoming CEO, served the organization in multiple executive positions.i2E has received international and national awards, and is widely regarded as a model for tech-based economic development through working directly with entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to help them commercialize their technologies and launch and grow new companies. During Walker's tenure, i2E significantly increased Oklahoma entrepreneurs' access to risk capital. i2E has $40 million under management across six investment funds that span the stages of business growth from proof-of-concept to growth. Additionally, i2E has attracted angel and venture capital investments of over $700 million to i2E's portfolio. These portfolio companies grew jobs at over 25 percent the past three years with an average salary of $65,000. Walker is considered a subject matter expert in technology-based economic development and is a seasoned fund manager. He has testified on federal legislation affecting startup companies and organizations such as i2E and TechColumbus. He has consulted with universities on technology commercialization programs. He advised members of the European Union on building a tech-based economy. Walker was a founding Board member of the Angel Capital Association and twice chaired that organization's North American Summit. "We are truly fortunate to have attracted Tom. Our imperative is to hasten the rate at which inventions move to the marketplace and Tom has demonstrated that ability," said Board Chair, Dwight Smith. "His experience and leadership will be of tremendous value to the organization and the central Ohio community." Walker replaces Tim Haynes, who has been serving as interim CEO. "We appreciate and value the work of Tim during this interim period," said Smith. Walker launched his career at Battelle, where he was a research scientist and then business development manager. He earned a Bachelor Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.Walker was selected from a national search.