Nancy Grden, associate vice president of Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, has been appointed as the first executive director of the Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation (HRMC). The HRMC aims to expand the role of maritime in the region’s economic development, contributing to Hampton Roads Innovation. Grden brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as co-chair of ODU’s Economic Development Catalyst Task Force and held leadership roles in major strategic and innovation initiatives across multiple sectors. She will also serve as special assistant to the president of Old Dominion for maritime initiatives and co-lead HRMC’s initiative to position ODU as a globally recognized academic institution focused on the maritime ecosystem.

Introduction

From Old Dominion University

Nancy Grden Appointed as Executive Director

"Nancy Grden leads maritime growth in Hampton Roads"Norfolk, VA, Sept. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nancy Grden, associate vice president of Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, has been named the initial executive director of the newly formed Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation (HRMC), which aims to expand the role of maritime in the region’s economic development. Grden also will serve as special assistant to the president of Old Dominion for maritime initiatives.

Experience and Leadership

"Nancy Grden leads maritime growth in Hampton Roads"Grden previously served as co-chair of ODU’s Economic Development Catalyst Task Force and has a track record of leadership for major strategic and innovation initiatives across multiple sectors. She is an experienced entrepreneur with companies such as Genomind and former executive with Amerigroup and Bank of America. She also serves as chair of 757 Angels, as well as Executive Committee member of organizations such as 757 Accelerate, Norfolk Innovation Corridor, 757 Resilience and Recovery Action Framework.

HRMC Initiatives

She will also co-lead with ODU faculty one of HRMC’s initiatives – to position ODU as a globally recognized academic institution focused on the maritime ecosystem for degree programs, research and innovation.

Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation

HRMC was established to provide thought leadership and alignment to pursue opportunities resulting in long-term economic development and innovation for the Hampton Roads maritime ecosystem. Other initiatives include offshore wind, resilience, talent pipelines and supply base. Its Board of Directors includes more than 40 leaders representing business, maritime associations, the Navy, the public sector and state and regional economic development.

Conclusion

“We are fortunate to have Nancy take on this leadership role,” said John O. “Dubby” Wynne, HRMC co-chair and chair of Reinvent Hampton Roads and GO Virginia Foundation. “I have worked with her over the years, and she has the skills and experience to achieve our goals.”

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About Old Dominion University: 

Old Dominion University is Virginia’s entrepreneurial-minded doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to the Commonwealth’s economy.

Question & Answer

Who has been appointed as the first executive director of the Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation?

Nancy Grden, the associate vice president of Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, has been appointed as the first executive director of the Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation.

What is the goal of the Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation?

The HRMC aims to expand the role of maritime in the region’s economic development, contributing to Hampton Roads Innovation.

What experience does Nancy Grden bring to her new role?

Grden has previously served as co-chair of ODU’s Economic Development Catalyst Task Force and held leadership roles in major strategic and innovation initiatives across multiple sectors. She is an experienced entrepreneur with a track record of leadership.

What initiatives will Nancy Grden be leading at HRMC?

She will co-lead HRMC’s initiative to position ODU as a globally recognized academic institution focused on the maritime ecosystem for degree programs, research, and innovation.