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SENATOR MARIA SACHS JOINS INNOVATION FLORIDA AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Exits Political Sector to Grow Florida’s Innovation Ecosystem
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – December 14, 2016 – Innovation Florida, co-founded by Greenspoon Marder , Citrix , and The South Florida Accelerator announced today that Senator Maria Sachs has been appointed Executive Director of the South Florida based not-for-profit dedicated to the advancement of the innovation economy.
As one of the founding directors, Senator Sachs will promote the growth of the company through alliances with domestic and international partners to further the innovation ecosystem of our state. Her function will be to serve as a catalyst to promote the rapid acceleration of high paying jobs for Florida’s university graduates with established domestic and global tech companies, high impact R & D initiatives, and encourage entrepreneurism. The executive director will use her lifetime background as a former prosecutor, attorney, legislator and community activist for the benefit of the organization, its partners and the future of Florida.
“I am excited to be a part of a new initiative that will link venture capital and multi-national corporations, to research and development with our state universities, colleges, and entrepreneurs, said Senator Sachs. “One of the keys to Florida’s success as the third most populous state is that every Florida graduate should have the key that will open a career in innovation.”
It was through state appropriations, that the Senator championed for expansion of research centers throughout the University systems especially at the South Florida based state universities and colleges. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Higher Education committee, Maria always encouraged and supported the state universities and colleges to move forward with technology and clinical research as she recognized this was the path for Florida to compete in the 21st Century.
Innovation Florida serves to connect the state of Florida’s technology assets through a shared resource and advocacy center that provides support in the areas of policy advancement, academic outreach, workforce development, talent acquisition, and entrepreneurialism. Innovation Florida’s founders have strong relationships with the State University’s Presidents and trustees, legislature, the startup, venture capital and tech communities that do business in Florida.
“Florida’s entrepreneurs have the potential to bring innovative change and technological developments to our state, as well as to the country as a whole, commented Gerald Greenspoon , co-managing director of Greenspoon Marder. “We are excited to play our part in providing valuable support and resources to help Florida thought leaders achieve success.”
“When building the innovation ecosystem, it is incredibly important to bridge the gap between public and private partnerships, and Senator Sachs is the right leader to accomplish this task,” stated Christopher Malter, co-founder of The South Florida Accelerator. “Her unique skill set will help us connect directly with government and academic leaders to foster growth and accelerate the maturation of a proven ecosystem.”
“As a global technology leader based in Florida, Citrix is pleased to join Innovation Florida and help foster a vibrant tech community in the region, said Chris Fleck, vice president emerging solutions, Citrix. “Senator Sachs’ leadership in the organization will stimulate collaboration across government, higher education and local industry.”
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