Rome, NY – August 28, 2024 – Griffiss Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Angela Wright as the new Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs. This strategic addition to our team is part of our continued efforts to expand the VICEROY Scholars program.
“Angela’s proven track record in government relations and advocacy will be invaluable as we strengthen our strategic partnerships and expand the reach of our VICEROY Scholars program,” said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute. “Angela will add significant capacity to the existing VICEROY team, supporting the program’s sustainment while maximizing outcomes through the cultivation of champions within our university partners and with key governmental stakeholders.”
Angela brings a distinguished background in government relations, having most recently served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at the State University of New York (SUNY). With extensive experience in managing state and federal relations, she has successfully implemented advocacy campaigns, coordinated legislative efforts, and engaged with key stakeholders to promote educational initiatives across SUNY’s 64 campuses. Her expertise in distilling complex information into persuasive messages and her ability to build strong relationships with legislators and community leaders make her an ideal fit for this role.
Angela’s career at SUNY includes notable achievements such as leading advocacy days in Washington, D.C., overseeing federal research priorities, and managing responses to legislative inquiries. Her efforts have significantly impacted higher education policy and funding, enhancing SUNY’s research portfolio and fostering collaboration across campuses. Additionally, Angela’s work with the Research Foundation for SUNY has established her as a key player in driving strategic growth and innovation.
Angela Wright expressed her excitement about joining the Griffiss Institute, stating, “I am thrilled to join the Griffiss Institute team and look forward to leveraging my experience in government relations to enhance our partnerships and support the growth of the VICEROY Scholars program. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on STEM education and help cultivate the next generation of leaders.”
Angela holds an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Agricultural Science from SUNY Cobleskill and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management and a Master of Professional Studies Degrees, both from the College of Agriculture and Life Science at Cornell University.
Additionally, Griffiss Institute is pleased to announce the appointments of Matthew A. Mroz as Executive Vice President for Strategic Programs and Timothy Miles Thomas as Chief Academic Officer. Together, these key leaders will work collaboratively to drive innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth.
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About Griffiss Institute:
The Griffiss Institute cultivates talent and technology that tackles the world’s biggest challenges. It does so alongside the United States Department of Defense’s Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) and an international network of academic, government, and industry partners. Founded in 2002 in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York, Griffiss Institute has origins as an incubator of ideas. With technology transfer at its core, it forges connections and pathways that enable real-life solutions to make their way from the lab bench to commercial uses. Griffiss Institute continues to elevate and develop the next generation of STEM students, professionals, and technologies that enhance our national security.
Visit griffissinstitute.org.
About Innovare Advancement Center:
Innovare Advancement Center is a 150,000 square foot open innovation hub that converges world-class scientific, engineering, and entrepreneurial talent from universities, government, and industry to tackle new challenges in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum, and unmanned aerial systems. Innovare’s unique capabilities include highly specialized laboratories for experimentation in quantum communications and neuromorphic computing, 40,000 square feet of high-tech and high-speed communications-enabled collaboration spaces, an auditorium with capacity for up to 150 people, an access point to the NYS UAS Test Site, and SKYDOME – an indoor/outdoor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) research and testing facility – the largest in the United States.
Visit www.innovare.org.
