Former TechColumbus President and CEO Ted Ford has landed a new gig.
Advanced Energy Economy Ohio announced last week that Ford has been appointed its new president and CEO. He was selected from a national search.
“Ted brings with him a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, innovation and economic development,” said Eric Zimmer, board chair and member of the executive search team, in a statement. “We are thrilled he has accepted this role and we are excited for the future of our organization.”
Ford is looking forward to growing an organization focused on educating the public and creating awareness for the advanced energy industry in Ohio.
“Ohio is home to over 400 companies and organizations providing advanced energy products and services,” he said. “More than 25,000 Ohioans work in these companies today. With global energy demand expected to increase by 40 percent by 2030, Ohio is uniquely positioned to become a global advanced energy solutions provider.”
Ford has more than thirty years of experience in legislative advocacy, public policy development and implementation, fundraising, and creating and leading public/private partnerships to advance economic development through technology and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, he is a recognized leader in technology-based economic development.
As the founding president and CEO of TechColumbus from 2005 through 2011, Ford led the creation of a comprehensive public/private partnership that unified the Columbus region’s local governments, major institutions and companies, and investors and entrepreneurs to increase the number of new technology companies formed here.
In addition to raising more than $43 million to support the effort, Ford also led a regional and national branding effort that helped redefine Columbus as the nation’s No. 1 Up and Coming Tech City (according to Forbes.com).
Recognizing that celebrating success is critical to building momentum, Ford helped build the annual TechColumbus Innovation Awards into the largest event of its kind in the country.
Prior to TechColumbus, Ford served as President and CEO of EWI, an engineering research and development center for materials joining technology. Under his leadership from 2000 to 2005, EWI transitioned from a university research model to an industry-driven engineering research and consulting company, achieving 40 percent revenue growth and quadrupling annual operating income.
During his tenure, EWI also grew its business nationally and globally, serving the engineering and technology needs of companies in the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy industries.
In addition to Ford’s leadership roles at EWI and TechColumbus, he has served as a development director and Congressional lobbyist for nonprofits, as well as an executive assistant to the governor of Ohio.
