Personnel note: Jonathan Nugent joins Birmingham Business Alliance as VP of Innovation and Technology

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Jonathan Nugent of BBA

The Birmingham Business Alliance, a lead economic development organization for the Birmingham region,announced Jonathan Nugent has joined the agency as Vice President of Innovation and Technology on Wednesday.

Nugent, a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience, will be responsible for the growth and development of new businesses within the region with a special focus on emerging and early-stage research, development and technology companies. He also will be a key connection between institutional research and development technologies and the market place.

“It is rare to find in any market an economic development leader with Jon’s depth of academic and industry experience in activities ranging from research and development, business development and entrepreneurship,” said Bob Crutchfield, chairman of the BBA’s Innovation and Technology Committee and general partner at Harbert Growth Partners. “Combined with his relational skills, Jon will be a dynamic add to our region’s desire to accelerate our economic growth in technology and innovation. We are very fortunate to have his abundant professional talents deployed here in Birmingham.”

Nugent most recently served as the Director of Marketing for the School of Health Professions at UAB, where he led the development and direct marketing plan for graduate programs, including biotechnology, which led to enrollment increases. Before joining UAB in 2011, he held strategic positions within companies like Discovery BioMed, LifeSci Advisors, ARYx Therapeutics, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Burns McClellan and Eyetech Pharmaceuticals.

“Jonathan has a deep knowledge of the life sciences, technology and investment worlds,” said Dr. Ray Watts, president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and 2016 chairman of the BBA. “This is an exciting time for tech companies in Birmingham right now. Jonathan will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap for technologies and entrepreneurs, and ensuring they have the resources needed to grow jobs here in Birmingham.”

Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the BBA, said the addition of Nugent will strengthen the BBA’s economic development efforts.

“Technology and innovation is an emerging sector in our economy and connects to every industry in Birmingham,” he said. “With Jon serving as a knowledgeable connector between researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs and investors in that sector, Birmingham’s economy can reach its potential and beyond.”

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