C. Michael Cassidy

Mr. Cassidy shapes and guides the strategic direction of the Georgia Research Alliance, a private, non-profit organization that brings together the state’s academic, industry and government leaders to grow Georgia’s economy through scientific discovery. Key programs of the Alliance include recruitment of top scientific talent, development of centers of research excellence, and commercialization of university research. He also serves as liaison to other local, regional and national organizations with an economic development mission and helps to promote Georgia as a leader in science and technology worldwide. Before joining the Alliance in 1993, Mr. Cassidy managed the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Georgia's technology incubator. Prior to that he worked for the IBM Corporation where he held various staff and management assignments. Mr. Cassidy holds a Master’s degree in Technology and Science Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a BBA degree in Marketing from Georgia State University. Mr. Cassidy serves on the Board of Directors of the State Science and Technology Institute, Health Care Ethics Consortium of Georgia, Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, the Global Center for Medical Innovation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Technology Association of Georgia, and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. He consults with several states on technology-based economic development strategies and is active with the U.S. Council on Competitiveness having participated in the development of their National Innovation Initiative. He is on the Board of Governors of the Lake Lanier Sailing Club and is a member of the Commerce Club of Atlanta.