New Director Chosen to Oversee State Office of Innovation

The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) today announced the hiring of Catherine S. Renault as the new director of the Office of Innovation (OOI). Dr. Renault will oversee technology-based economic development under the DECD and officially begins her new position today.

"We welcome Catherine to the Office of Innovation and look forward to having her on board," said Governor John E. Baldacci. "Catherine brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, having worked in economic development in North Carolina's research triangle for several years. She is going to be a great asset to the state and help us reach our R&D goals."

Dr. Renault has more than 16 years experience in innovation-driven economic development. Prior to joining OOI, Dr. Renault served as a project manager for RTI International, a think tank based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and as a senior research associate in the office of economic development at the University of North Carolina where she assisted in the evaluation of Maine's research and development sector. She has also served as managing director for the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology where she was a member of a team that achieved results of adding almost 16,000 jobs, more than 250 new companies and more than $1.9 billion in new sales and capital in four years.

With family in Maine, Dr. Renault said she is looking forward to moving north and bolstering Maine's efforts to expand its technology-based economy.

"Maine is a beautiful, innovative state that presents unique opportunities for R&D ventures," said Dr. Renault. "I thank the Governor and DECD for this opportunity and I look forward to helping Maine diversify its economy."

OOI was established by the DECD in 2004 to coordinate the state's efforts in research and development and encourage collaboration among its higher educational and nonprofit research institutions and the business community.

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