CLEVELAND, OH – March 18, 2010 – NorTech, a regional nonprofit technology-based economic development organization that serves 21 counties in Northeast Ohio, is pleased to announce two new additions to the management team. Karen Allport joins as Vice President of Strategic Outreach and Dr. Byron Clayton joins as Vice President.
The new staff additions will support NorTech's long term strategy to develop technology industry clusters that make the region's economy more economically diverse, creating jobs and economic impact.
"Karen and Byron are tremendous assets to NorTech and bring exactly the right combination of experience, energy and expertise to further our goals and mission of growing Northeast Ohio's technology industries," said Rebecca O. Bagley, president and CEO of NorTech. "Building staff capacity to deliver results for the region is an important part of NorTech's operational plan for 2010 and we are pleased to make these two additions to our team."
As Vice President of Strategic Outreach, Karen Allport will be responsible for the development of NorTech's overall marketing and communications strategy and building relationships with key stakeholders. In this role, she will advance the organization's position with relevant constituents by deploying a communications network to engage NorTech's cluster audiences in the advanced energy and flexible electronics sectors. In addition, Ms. Allport will drive broader awareness and support of NorTech and its initiatives in Northeast Ohio.
Ms. Allport has over 25 years experience working with for-profit companies (private and public), nonprofit organizations and as a consultant. Prior to joining NorTech, Ms. Allport was Chief Operating Officer for Cleveland Botanical Garden where she oversaw the operations of this internationally-recognized cultural institution and built earned income through generating and sustaining new revenue streams. She led the public launch and opening in 2003 of the new Visitor Center and Glasshouse exhibit and directed the strategic efforts to build the institution's audiences and its profile. Previously, Ms. Allport was Vice President, Corporate Communications for Dix & Eaton Incorporated and Director of Marketing Services at Leaseway Transportation. She holds a bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
As Vice President, Dr. Byron Clayton will be responsible for leading NorTech's Flexible Electronics cluster initiative to accelerate commercial activity and jobs in the sector. In this role, Dr. Clayton will work with cluster companies, research institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, and state officials to catalyze cluster efforts to create economic impact in Northeast Ohio.
Dr. Clayton has over 25 years of experience developing new businesses and commercializing high tech systems for numerous industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, nuclear, space, and window manufacturing. Prior to joining NorTech, Dr. Clayton advised doctoral students at Case Western Reserve University on qualitative research methods and lectured undergraduate and graduate students on mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Clayton is also founder and President of NxWare Division of GED Integrated Solutions. He previously held management positions at Wegoma Inc., Manufacturing & Business Automation Inc., Deneb Robotics, AKR Robotics, and Cybotech Corporation. Dr. Clayton received a Doctorate of Management degree from Case Western Reserve University, an MBA from Myers University and a BA in Business from Malone University.
Ms. Allport and Dr. Clayton joined NorTech effective February 1, 2010. Complete bios are available here.
Media Contact:
Kelly South
216-241-8458
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