RALEIGH — University research accelerator nonprofit NCInnovation has named Michelle Bolas, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, the acting CEO effective Dec. 1. The decision was made during the group’s regularly scheduled board meeting on Nov. 12.
Bolas takes over for current CEO J. Bennet Waters, who has led the organization since April 2022 and will step down on Nov. 30.
“Converting innovation to impact drives thriving economies, and it’s the key to a prosperous future for all of North Carolina. Our public universities make that vision possible,” Bolas said in a press release. “I’m honored to step into this role and help NCI carry that mission forward—turning ideas discovered here into opportunities grown here.”
The announcement comes as the future remains uncertain for NCInnovation’s (NCI) $500 million endowment from the General Assembly. Though the state budget impasse continues, both the House and Senate budgets would reclaim that funding.
