FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Alexis Henderson
410-222-7410
 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT CHESAPEAKE INNOVATION CENTER
 
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 9, 2008) - - -  The Chesapeake Innovation Center’s (CIC) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Sarah Djamshidi as Executive Director effective April 7, 2008. The Chesapeake Innovation Center is Anne Arundel County’s business accelerator for homeland and national security technology, bridging emerging technology with government buyers.
 
 “The Chesapeake Innovation Center helps stimulate economic growth in Anne Arundel County’s security and technology sector,” said County Executive John R. Leopold.  “I am pleased to welcome Ms. Djamshidi to this important leadership position.”
 
 “Ms. Djamshidi has a proven track record in managing incubators specializing in technology,” said Robert L. Hannon, Chairman of the CIC Board of Directors.  “Her leadership experience will be a valuable asset as we advance the CIC mission to stimulate economic growth in Anne Arundel County’s security and technology sector.”
 
Prior to her appointment at the CIC, Ms. Djamshidi served as Director of the University of Maryland Technology Advancement Program (TAP), the first technology venture incubator in the State of Maryland. TAP partners with regional entrepreneurs and provides extensive hands-on support to build early-stage technology companies.  During her tenure, $20 million were raised for portfolio companies.  In this role, Djamshidi actively advised TAP portfolio companies on market research, business and strategic planning, business process reengineering, financial analysis, business development, recruiting and fundraising.  In addition, Djamshidi oversaw all operations of TAP and managed company selection and led the due diligence activities.  Moreover, she helped in the design, development and implementation of the University of Maryland’s first technology spin-out program, MTECH Venture Accelerator. 
 
Ms. Djamshidi is an adjunct professor and lecturer with A. James Clark School of Engineering and University of Maryland’s Honors Program, teaching undergraduate classes in technology entrepreneurship.  In addition, she is a frequent speaker on venture incubation practices at national conferences.   Ms. Djamshidi is a board member for the William James Foundation, where she helps the foundation in forming strategies and serves as a judge for the foundation’s national Socially Responsible Business Plan Competition.  She is also an economic and business evaluator for the National Science Foundation where she helps in the selection of Phase I and Phase II SBIR awardees.
 
Previously, Ms. Djamshidi launched a graphic design and communications unit of the University of Maryland. In this capacity, she directed client projects, set pricing, managed a P&L, and conceptualized creative campaigns for various organizations.  Additionally, she has grown and launched businesses and managed a variety of technology organizations.
 
Djamshidi has a degree in Management Science and Statistics with specialization in Decision Information Systems from the University of Maryland.

About Chesapeake Innovation Center
 
The Chesapeake Innovation Center (www.cic-tech.org) is America’s first business incubator for homeland and national security. The CIC identifies and screens early stage technology companies to:

• Connect innovative technology and business models with government agency and corporate Partners who contract with the CIC to identify specific technology solutions.
• Nurture and support promising advanced technology businesses
• Coach Member and Affiliate companies to succeed in this market

The CIC’s established partnerships with The Boeing Company, ARINC, NSA, Northrop Grumman, and Athlone Global Security have provided support and access to the marketplace for CIC Member Companies. Currently, there are seven Resident Member Companies and seven Affiliate Member Companies at the CIC.  Since it was launched in 2003, four early stage technology companies have graduated from the CIC to become successful companies. 

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